
'"'p- 



t <wJ w> (J U -rf 



Book__JiLi^^iJB-4" 



preseS'tcu by 



/<?/k^ 



THE REVISED AND 
ENLARGED EDITION 

of 

Bethel el Bethel 

A New Old Story 

told by 
Mattie Sanford Bull 

WIDOW OF 

Rev. J. M. Bull 

Gentry, Ark. 



Printed for the Author by 

ROGERS & HALL COMPANY 

CHICAGO, ILL. 

1918 



^^:^ 

\^\' 



,6^^^ 



A^-t 



Copyright 1918 
Mattie Sanford Bull 



Qift 
Author 



iiiiiiiiiiiriciiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiifiiiiii{iiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiMiiiii>iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiijiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiii> 

Some parts of this book show the 
age of the material; typifying the 
realm of the spiritual. Its design 
is to use the best literature in por- 
traying the soul's most desirable 
relations to God. 

It has been acknowledged and 
highly recommended by leading 
divines of all the different denomi- 
nations, including the more con- 
servative Episcopalians and Roman 
Catholics. 

4iiriiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiMb 



1 


-•■ 


^fep^^^^J 




•^ 


* 


v/ 


nJ 



Mattie Sanford Bull 



INTRODUCTION 



St. Paul, Minn. 

I have known Mattie Sanford Bull, the gifted authoress 
of **Bethel-el-Bethel," from early years. She has woven 
into this charming poem, not only the struggle and expe- 
rience of her own inner life, but she has interpreted the 
soul strivings of the ancient Hebrew saint and seer in such 
a manner as to make him human and akin to all great souls 
in all ages and climes. 

This is especially true in this period of world crisis, 
when the earnest and best of mankind are endeavoring to 
interpret and re-state the great primary spiritual forces 
found dormant in all races. The new democracy and the 
new Christian spirit must be interpreted in the terms of 
human life. The reader will have his moral sympathies en- 
larged, and a deeper appreciation of the redemptive litera- 
ture of the ancient Hebrews, which the ages will never 
outgrow. There is a rhythmatic and literary beauty in these 
verses, which will compel a reading over and over. We 
cannot interpret this without having our own life enriched, 
and made more humanly broad in our sympathetic touch 
with people. 

Frank Doran, Superintendent, 
St. Paul District, Methodist Episcopal Church, 

Minnesota Conference. 



FOREWORD 



Should it be found that some of the thoughts contained 
in this little book, were the reflected rays of other lights, it 
is that truth is eternal, and we have the same right to 
gather up and throw back some of its scattered beams in a 
new combination as the chemist has to use the compounds 
of previous discoverers to produce yet more new and varied 
results. 

The historical characters with which our theme is 
woven are familiar to all: and we find sparkling through 
them, the desires, needs, longings and sins, even, of the 
human heart of today and by voicing these Bible characters, 
to express through them the wants, longings, sufferings, 
conflicts, and triumphs of the soul in all ages. Free use has 
been made of Bible language, imagery, and poetry. Who 
knows but the Psalms and the book of Job may ring with 
the echo of a yet more distant inspired literature than that 
which existed before Abraham was? 

David seems to have compassed the breadth of man, in 
his struggles, temptations, sins, and bitterness. His reach- 
ings out after God; his growth in holiness, and his repose 
in promises; and these experiences are just as true of our 
every-day life as of his, when he cried "Out of the depths" 
or from sun-lit peaks of nearness and blessedness, he 
caught glimpses of the "King in His beauty." 

Though these experiences had crystallized into heart 
history, and were true to character ages since, yet they are 
as applicable to us, as though the ink were scarcely dry 
from recent dictation. The record of that peculiar people — 
the Jews — is likewise a type of our own individual experi- 
ence ; for all have drunk of the bitter waters of Marah, and 



Like Moses in moments supreme 
On Pisgah's high summit we stand, 

And view Hke a visible dream 
Fair Canaan's delectable land. 

Hot deserts and mountains aflame, 
Lie behind on the long weary road, 

The mountain that quaked with His name, 
Though lit with the presence of God. 

Asunder the billows were riven 
On seas of tempests and might, 

When pressed in the rear and sore driven 
Th' unseen paths of safety invite. 

Our altars of prayer and of praise, 
Lay 'neath skies all purple and red, 

Though passing through moorland or maze 
On manna we richly were fed. 

Now that the journey's near o'er 
We strong and exultingly stand. 

Beholding the landscape before 
All sun-lit entrancing and grand. 

Yet near to this glorious clime 
Of delicate shadow and sheen — 

Of varied prospects sublime, 
Rolls darkly a Jordan between. 



Oh, spirits of sweetness and strength, 
That to our best moments belong. 

Our wanderings guide till at length 
We pass in the river with song. 

If amid the smoking mountains, or path marked by- 
prints of weary feet, through life's wilderness, or in the 
quiet repose of green pastures, ''beside the still waters/' in 
onward march to his "Canaan of rest," the reader should 
find herein portrayed his own experience, and be comforted 
and helped thereby and induced to stronger endeavors and 
grander achievements, the object of this little book will be 
attained and the fulfillment of her dreams realized. 

The Author 



Bethel el Bethel 

(REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION) 

Introduction 

Roll back the mighty scroll of ages from its trust, 

And view some chamgeful scenes long slumbering in the dust. 

CHAPTER I 

The Coming of Esau with the Fawn 

In Sheba's realm 'twas twilight's sacred hour, 
And cooling dews refresh the fragrant flower, 
In dimpled dale the sun no longer gleamed 
While through the west a burning glory streamed. 
Full sweet and low the ever murmuring breeze 
A tender cadence hummed and rocked the trees; 
Though rolling billows hushed afar their roar. 
Break gilded ripples on the amber shore. 
Yet gold and ruby hues resplendent glowed 
On billowy-bosomed feathery cloud, 
As slender sun-flame lances smote still higher 
The snowy mountain range was fringed with fire. 

While thus the royal train of day 
Was gliding from the hills away, 
And evening star on ether's brim 
Rose o'er the edge of night's gray rim — 

1 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



A youth came joyfully along 
With bounding step and whistling song, 
High hopes were beaming in his eye, 
That brighter shone as he drew nigh, 
And showed his mien bore easy grace 
Which dignified his form and face. 

A fawn he on his shoulder bore 

That crimson blotched his sandals o'er, 

While on his brow the beaded sweat 

Lay underneath warm rings of jet. 

His dusky turban back he drew 

And strong his visage beamed anew 

As he in sunny dreamland strayed 

And there in raptured thought surveyed 

Wide wealthy fields of yielding plumes 

And fragrant golden lily blooms. 

High as the arch that bends o'er head 

Youth's bow of promise hung out spread, 

And groves beneath whose blooms ne'er cease 

Were mirrored back in lakes of peace. 

With springing step he passed on o'er 
The threshold of his curtained door. 
And quick prepared the fawn he spread 
Beside an ancient kingly bed, 
And gently woke the sleeper there, 
With kindly words of filial care. 

2 



THE COMING OF ESAU WITH THE FAWN 

"Thy sav'ry meat, my father dear, 
Is waiting for thee fragrant here, 
Arise and set upon my brow 
Thy seal of sovereignty, and vow." 

Quickly the father roused from rest 
With heave and tremble in his breast. 

'^And who art thou" ? in fear he cried. 

*'Esau I am," the youth replied. 

"Then why hast thou returned once more 
For blessings! Should I bless thee o'er?" 

The father spake and sat upright, 
With anxious face, all scared and white. 
*T from the chase with footsteps fleet 
Have come, with dew-bespangled feet." 

Spake Esau, "And thou dreamest now." 
"Nay," said the father, "One did bow 
Before me, and thy rights are gone. 
Thy brother must have brought the fawn 
That me deceived though blind I see — 
He hither came in place of thee. 
Ah, woe to me — ah, woe my son. 
How art thou wronged — alas — undone. 
Could robber ever be more base 
In plucking wealth from hiding place 
Than he who donned thy robe of hair 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



To cloak foul deeds — while seeming fair? 
And him I thus for three mistook, 
And of his sav'ry meat partook. 
With corn I blest him, and with kine 
And choicest treasures of the vine — 
With dews to bear refreshments sweet 
And nations bowing at his feet — 

(Some unseen power hath me possessed 
That will forever keep him blest/') 

Then Esau groaned and cried aloud, 
"How is my joyous spirit bowed 
Bless me my father even me, 
Nor steadfast hold that stern decree. 

I thy statutes well have kept — " 
Strongly he raised his voice and wept. 

Firm spake the father with command 
''Thine be the fatness of the land." 
Thy wine shall sparkle of the dew. 
That shineth sharp each morn anew. 
But long as both of ye shall live 
Thou shalt thy brother homage give 
Until the burden of his yoke 
Asunder from thy neck be broke." 

4 



THE COMING OF ESAU WITH THE FAWN 

Thus Esau's fondest hopes were riven 
As by a thunderbolt from heaven. 
Of royal rights he was bereft — 
Nor had he e'en his birthright left. 
Gladness from him had taken wing 
As though it were a living thing. 

One melting moment like soft rain, 
Fell memories on his startled brain; 
A bosom-partner in each joy 
Was he, his twin, a blithesome boy, 
A sweeter thing his life ne'er held — 
At thought of wrong his soul rebelled — 
So fresh and fond was his embrace — 
Dwells there a demon in his place? 
Then from this moment he awoke, 
Stunned and writhing from the stroke. 
His lowering brow grew flushed with ire 
Like clouds of hail that blush with fire 
And as a storm portentous roars 
While raging on far distant shores, 
Thus he arose in angered mode 
And outward in the night he strode. 
Like thunder pealing from a cloud 
With curses hoarse he cried aloud 
"Thou fiend incarnate! will I dare — 
Thy carcass soon shall rot in air 

5 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Beneath the bleaching sun and rain 
By vuhures pierced upon the plain. 
Ne'er will I bend before thine eye, 
Thou villain ! — viper ! — thou shalt die." 

And Jacob heard that awful cry 

With limbs ashake and glistening eye 

He left the shelter of his home 

Alone upon the world to roam. 

In terror was his flight — haste driven 

Without a hope of earth or heaven. 

As on he sped in bitterness 

Most fearful grew his wretchedness. 

Then God beheld him from above, 
With looks of sorrow and of love 
A being blest with holy mien 
He sent to guide him all unseen; 
Who woke the forces of his soul, 
With retribution's thunder roll, 
And broke a struggling light therein, 
That showed the awfulness of sin. 

Then as his crime down deeper pressed, 
That raged a tempest in his breast ; 
He fled on far, he fled on fast, 
Like driven clouds before a blast. 



THE COMING OF ESAU WITH THE FAWN 

Despairing, faint, heartsick and sore, 
At last when he could bear no more, 
He fell, 'neath his remorseful load 
Beside a drear and lonesome road, 
Exhausted, faint, and all distressed. 

The sun had sunk within the west 
Yet threw his unseen glory nigh 
In burning beauty on the sky. 
Pillaring it with shafts of flame 
Till all the glow a gleam became. 

Then warming winds stole through the gloom 

Of fragrant blossoms half in bloom. 

Touching his brow with impress sweet 

And cooling away its fever heat. 

Then stars sent through the far off blue 

Their golden globes of brilliant hue. 

While gazing on their beauty rare 

His melted soul went out in prayer. 

Till he in slumber sank alone 

His head hard pillowed on a stone. 

An upward ladder broad and bright 
He saw upstretching through the night, 
Where angels on each fiery round 
Were stepping swiftly toward the ground. 

7 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Their wond'rous wings half closed behind 
And fair hair rippling on the wind, 
Each was robed in dazzling white, 
And crowned with stars of living light. 

Upon the ladder's farther side, 

Angels were rising like a tide, 

While these were moving downward there. 

The others mount the golden stair. 

Then mighty angels came in flight 

That soared and sang in strong delight 

While sweeping under and around 

Their wings like thunder shook the ground. 

When glory smote him in the face 
He saw in all that holy place 
No trace of sin or sinful care. 
He was the only sinner there. 
Discordant forces warred within 
Which is the very hell of sin. 
No tongue the contrast can repeat 
When purity and baseness meet. 

Then one that bore a godly face, 
Stooped to him in that holy place. 
And touched his fixed and frightened eyes, 
When he in awe and great surprise, 

8 



THE COMING OF ESAU WITH THE FAWN 

Beheld the ladder on the ground, 
Reach unto heaven its topmost round. 
A something gauzy, vapor white, 
Swathed him around in halo-light — 
An awful presence brooded near, 
That filled the very air with fear. 
Like mountains weighed his load of sin, 
Where slumb'ring baseness slept therein. 

''My soul's defiled and all unclean'' 
He saith ''Basely did I demean 
Myself, most gnawing is the sin, 
That like an ulcer eats within. 

"My father's God, to thee I cry, 
Oh harken from thy throne on high, 
And take away this wretched load 
Of deadly sins that gnaw and goad. 
Of stones whereon I lay my head. 
Upon this blest and dreadful bed, 
An altar I will build to Thee, 
That of my faith a sign shall be. 
And Bethel I will call the spot. 
For Thou art here — I knew it not, 
Yea, I will serve no other God, 
If thou wilt spare thy chastening rod. 
Of all the wealth Thou givest me, 
A tenth I will restore to Thee." 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Each angel smote his throbbing lyre, 

In fervent sweep of holy fire, 

As swelling surges brake in song, 

God's thrilling voice fell sweet and strong, 

And clearly spake: 'Tve heard thy cry, 

Repenting souls I justify. 

Although thy sins all scarlet-glow 

rU wash them even white as snow. 

As thou doest loathe sin's crimson stain 

I'll cleanse them in forgiving rain. 

Yea, though they rise as mountains may 

Yet I'll remove them far away. 

'And of thy tears for sin begot 
Shall jewels for thy crown be wrought, 
ril grant thy soul's supreme request. 
'In thee shall all the earth be blest." 
And I will give this place to thee. 
In which to walk and talk with me. 
As sand upon the ocean shore, 
Shall be thy seed forever more." 

The nether clouds stained deep as night 
Flushed up with waves of yellow light. 
And through their mellow lustre shone. 
Refulgent beams from off the throne. 
Vast troops of angels then upwent. 
And lowly in obeivSance bent, 

10 



THE COMING OF ESAU WITH THE FAWN 

1 

And downward drifts the firmament, 
Till it with all the earth hath blent, 
And from the rifted floor he stood 
Within the very home of God. 

Half blinded in the glory grand 

That bursts around on every hand 

He treads the wond'rous winding streets 

That his enraptured vision meets 

Until they lead to gates of pearl, 

O'er arched with gems that flash and whirl 

And blaze upon the balmy air, 

To melt away in azure fair. 

On verdant banks afar he sees. 

Life's precious nectar-bearing trees, 

Whose laden bough down leaning low. 

Kisses the river's crystal flow, 

With healing leaves that gently dip. 

To meet the wavelet's yielding lip, 

As on it flows with ripples rife, 

Borne by the mighty stream of life. 

Great domes reflect and gilded spire 

On seas of molten glass and fire. 

Where mansions white as driven snow, 

Are mirrored back in shining glow. 

'Mid temples grand and halls more fair, 
Than reared by earthy taste and care, 

11 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



A jetting fountain reels and whirls, 
Down raining drops that roll like pearls, 
As sparkling sprays waft plumes of dew, 
The zephyr's throb with rhythm and hue. 
Beaded with clearest golden trills. 
Harmonious music fills and thrills 
The being, as with reaches long 
The seraph voices swell in song. 
Far as the eye could thither rove, 
Vast rustling rank of angels move, 
Like waters rushing in accord 
They clap their wings and praise the Lord. 

Then all the vision fled from sight, 

That gave his soul such strong delight, 

But ere he caught that glimpse of Heaven, 

A wonderous peace to him was given. 

The sting of sin had been withdrawn ; 

His fear allayed — his burden gone. 

His sinful soul, all scarlet red, 

Was cleansed snow-white, made pure instead. 

His very pillow of rough stone, 

Had even kind and restful grown. 

With Nature's higher law was he, 

In perfect tuneful harmony. 

When he arose one glimmering spark — 
One pike of gold that rends the dark, 

12 



THE COMING OF ESAU WITH THE FAWN 

Was piercing through the ether blue, 
And all the air was silver hue. 
'How blest and dreadful is this place, 
The Lord is here," he saith ''I trace, 
Sure guidings of His hand Divine, 
In gratitude Til raise a shrine 
And name it for the vision given 
A house of God, and gate of Heaven." 

He took the stones on which he lay, 
Ancient and mossy, rude and gray. 
Of them a sacred altar built. 
And from his flagon then he spilt. 
Pure olive oil, that did suffice. 
For Sin's, symbolic sacrifice. 

Now Bethel stands upon the road 
To show where Jacob talked with God; 
That others toiling on the way. 
From flame of morn till twilight gray. 
May see the rugged altar near. 
And know a soul had worshiped here. 
And they with reverence on this spot 
May talk with God in time forgot. 



13 



14 



CHAPTER II. 

Jacob's Prayer and Sacrifice 

Jacob had long at Harron dwelt, 
And time had with him kindly dealt, 
In manhood's prime with manly face, 
He onward moved with easy grace, 
Of princely stature, brown eyes keen, 
Manlier man was seldom seen. 
Learning and goods and gold had he, 
That bore him honors graciously. 
To do his bidding servants wait, 
Obliging and considerate. 

He'd herds of sheep and camels fine, 
Asses and droves of goats and kine. 
With worthy sons and loving wife; 
Forsooth his was a prosp'rous life. 
Yet sorely he, home-yearnings felt. 
One pensive even when shadows melt, 
A tender voice came speaking far 
Down gliding from a silvery star, 
And floating gently to him break 
In clear cut words God to him spake 
^Return thee to thy father's home," 
He said, *'nor longer needless roam; 

15 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Hence with thee take thine earthly store 
And right all wrongs thou didst of yore. 
Near will my presence o'er thee brood, 
For ril go with, and do thee good; 
And that to which thou mayest aspire 
I'll give thy heart its best desire, 
And lead thee onward as thou go'st." 
Then he beheld an heavenly host. 
That brought him cheer and holy greet 
Then sped away on shining feet. 

Fair morn with golden plowshare clove, 

The dark, broke up the gloom, and drove, 

The fog o'er rills that rippling ran. 

When trustfully the march began. 

A goodly caravan all were. 

With beast and human life astir. 

He saith "With staff and empty hands, 

I Jordan passed, now in two bands, 

As I retrace the pathway o'er 

I homeward bear a God-lent store." 

From strongest man to tiny child, 
With happy hearts their faces smiled. 
As on they moved a joyous throng, 
Their gladness broke in merry song. 
From days of march they camp to rest 
And feast in goodly raiment drest, 

16 



JACOB'S PRAYER AND SACRIFICE 



When swift a courier passed the throng, 
And saith to him ''Four hundred strong, 
Thy brother comes to meet thee now, 
E'en to the dust to make thee bow." 

A shudder ran through earth afar, 
And shook the new born evening star. 
And sorely smote his soul of care. 
And left the only recourse — prayer. 

In haste an altar crude he made. 
Whereon a slain lamb quick he laid. 
Then as the flame began to glow 
In burning words his heart found flov/.* 

'Oh stay thy hand, oh spare the rod, 
Let not thine anger smoke. Oh God, 
My help," he saith, "is Thee alone, 
By Thee bereft I am undone. 
Wild winds of ruin threaten me. 
With helpless hands I reach to Thee. 

'No worth have I — no worthiness — 
In Thee is all my righteousness. 
And wholly I upon Thy power, 
Rely in this appalling hour. 

*He could only pray while the sacrifice was burning. 

17 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Didst Thou not say I should return, 
Nor longer in that land sojourn? 
What didst thou say at Bethel there 
Before the angels on the stair? 
And Thou didst promise me of yore, 
'Thy seed like sand on ocean shore 
Shall be, and I will do thee good,' 
Though Esau comes to spill our blood. 
Curb Thou his wrath that rageth wild, 
That hath his kindness all beguiled. 
Oh make the hand that's raised to slay, 
In mercy fall, or blessing stay. 
Behold I have repentance wrought 
For every deed of sin or plot. 
My vows I here renew again — 
Thy help Divine implore — Amen." 

As one is shocked in May-day fair, 
'Mid blushing blooms that scent the air, 
And breezes soft where leaflets wave. 
In dancing blithe he finds a grave. 
Thus he was stricken by the dread. 
That bars the living from the dead. 

Then came his trusty servants all 
In answer to his sudden call. 
"Courageous souls of faithful fame," 
He saith "Take presents in my name,*^ 

18 



JACOB'S PRAYER AND SACRIFICE 

And go before me through the land 
To drive all quickly, band by band 
Of camels, asses, sheep and kine. 
Assorted from the best of mine. 
And say "Thy brother sends to you 
Lord Esau, these, his heart is true. 
He meaneth good, his hand is kind — 
He shortly cometh on behind. 
To cast himself before thy feet, 
Mercy and pardon to entreat. 
He doth of thee forgiveness seek. 
His heart is changed, his spirit meek" — 

* (''Large souls are e'er compassionate — 
May'st thou be numbered with the great/') 



Leah's Tent; Perfection in Repose 

Night's dewy mantle covers all; 

The wand'ring winds to quiet fall. 

And through the fragrant dusk and hush. 

The glow has died of evening's blush. 

In Leah's tent 'neath hangings rich. 

In twain long crimson drap'ries stretch. 

Each curtain's silk and rustling fold, 

Was u pward looped with bands of gold. 

*This to himself he said. 

19 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



A lamp in alabaster urn, 

That spread a mild perfume did burn, 

And glowed on jeweled chalice rare. 

With glinting gleams tinged Leah's hair, 

And dimly lit her brow and lips, 

And rounded arm to finger tips. 

While draperies touched by waves of air 

Swayed as she slept, serene and fair, 

In noble beauty, there she lay. 

With snowy vesture turned away — 

From marble throat to shrouded breast — 

So peaceful was her dreamless rest 

That as her breathings fell and rose, 

She seemed Perfection in repose. 

On opening wide her lustrous eyes. 

In wonderment and mild surprise. 

She saith aloud "why this delay? 

"So late the hour, and he away?" 

Then she arose and plead in prayer, 
That God who watches everywhere. 
From whom proceedeth only good, 
Would fold them in His motherhood. 
"Beneath me are the Mighty arms, 
That soothe and save amid alarms. 
Secure in them," she saith, "I rest 
And praise, that I am sweetly blest, 

20 



JACOB'S PRAYER AND SACRIFICE 



No care have I, Oh Care Divine, 
My every burden Lord is Thine. 
Beneath the wings that shelter me, 
I trust my absent one vvrith Thee." 
Thus Leah watched till faint and gray. 
Appeared the tints of dawning day. 

When darkness settled like a spell. 

No cheering ray on Jacob fell. 

Esau was coming in his path, 

And God alone could stay his wrath. 

The promise to him seemed forlorn, 

"Of thee a nation shall be born." 

Before him rose his checkered past. 

When sins controlled and held him fast. 

As lightning's flash shows danger nigh. 

Of yawning gulfs that terrify, 

So there before the Great Unknown, 

He standeth in the dark alone. 

With conscience that stern witness dread. 

Touching to life the things long dead. 

As deeds trooped by in close review, 

Deceitful scenes he lived anew. 

When trusting ones he had betrayed — 

He saw — he writhed — he grew afraid. 

False measures dealt by him returned, 

A bitter sorrow he had earned. 

21 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



As conscience probed his soul within, 
Keen grew the awfulness of sin. 
Though once his sins were washed away, 
Yet base desires would on him prey; 
And later sins had smirched his breast, 
That kept him in a fierce unrest, 
Till now he looketh up and down 
Into the great and dark Unknown, 
Where he all naked and alone, 
Must stand before the Judgment Throne. 
A fearful tale base memories tell, 
''Gnawing remorse is fire of hell." 
Thus vengeance met him on the way, 
With unsheathed sword his course to stay. 
If he go forward, that were death 
And should he die, eternal wrath. 
All ways are hedged — and he sore driven 
All pathways blocked, except toward Heaven. 
In agony of soul he cries, 
'Oh, come, dear Lord — Oh Lord, arise. 
And wash me from all stain of sin. 
And make me wholly pure within ; 
Burn every root of base desire 
From my foul heart. Send living fire" — 
Thus all alone and far abroad. 
He strove and agonized for God; 
That in the stillness of His power 
He'd hide him in this awful hour. 

22 



JACOB'S PRAYER AND SACRIFICE 



Stern Nature paused with bated breath 
In silence deep and still as death. 

A mighty Angel bright and high, 

Asunder rent the sable sky, 

Behind him blazing pathways streamed. 

Horses and fiery chariots gleamed, 

And fiery horsemen flashed in air, 

Awful, and red as lightning's glare. 

Silent and quick did he appear, 

From th* unseen and undiscovered sphere ; 

Nor did the mortal see him glide, 

From th' unknown realm to time's divide; 

Until upon his awe-struck sight, 

The blinding vision seemed to smite. 

Eyes of the Presence flashed in flame. 

His spotless robe a glow became. 

Like blinding snow his white hair shone, 

And rippled in the glare there on; 

To sparkling chain of jewels rare, 

The keys of heaven were anchored there. 

That from his golden girdle fell, 

And swayed like movements of a bell. 

Like many waters in their sweep, 

That onward flow into the deep. 

Was his melodious voice to greet, 

Though flute-like were its tones most sweet. 

23 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



A luster that for brightness shone, 

Out splendoring the very sun, 

So beamed the brightness of his face, 

And lighted all this holy place. 

Breathless before the Being low, 

Did Jacob in obeisance bow. 

Though smitten by the awful glare, 

On him laid hold, nor did forbear — 

With strong desire — with courage grand. 

He clutched him with a desperate hand, 

And while they strongly wrestled there. 

Did Jacob plead in mighty prayer. 

The Presence saith "Let me be gone. 

Darkness is dwindling into dawn." 

"I will not let thee go unless 

That thou wilt me supremely bless — 

Yea, blessings both for mine and me. 

Distilling on my soul from Thee." 

Thus Jacob spake, with hand brought nigh. 

The Holy Being smote his thigh. 

''Though maimed I cannot wrestle more. 
But ril the contest ne'er give o'er 
But cling," saith Jacob, ''nor forbear" 
And thus the Being blessed him there. 

"My canopy o'er thee I'll spread, 
And blessings pour upon thy head, 
A nation strong, of thee I'll make. 
And thee a blessing," thus He spake. 

24 



JACOB'S PRAYER AND SACRIFICE 



"Blest be thy basket, and thy store, 
And blessings great, forever more, 
Shall crowd thy sun-lit path for Me, 
And waft through starlight down to thee. 

''All blessed be thy flock and field. 
For thee the earth shall fruitage yield — 
Thy fervent prayers have thee availed, 
Thou man of might, thou hast prevailed — 
Nor called Surplanter shalt thou be, 
For saintly power thou hast with Me, 
Thy soul I'll cleanse, and spare the rod, 
And of thee make a prince for God. 
ISRAEL, men shall call thee now. 
And at thy bidding all shall bow. 

''In My pavilion's secret place, 
I'll show thee marvels of My grace. 
Within its shelter thee I'll hide. 
Where safe from storms shalt thou abide- 
Beneath My wings, thy refuge be. 
Till thou shalt greater glory see. 
In Me thy yearnings shall be stilled. 
For thy soul-hunger shall be filled, 
And thou shalt in thy mortal clod, 
Bear ever more the life of God; 
For ril be with thee everywhere — 
E'en to the end will I be there, 

25 




Esau's Night Alone. 



CHAPTER III. 

Esau's Ire 

The sun his upward course had clomb, 
Each jeweled wheel that lit the dome, 
Was in a steady blaze — each spoke, 
In golden flame the ether broke. 
As clouds of dust will rise and wreath, 
From monarch's chariot wheels beneath. 
So vapor clouds behind his car. 
Rolled on, while thunders muttered far. 

'Neath plumy palms that formed a glade. 

Whose shifting crowns cool shadows made, 

Esau is resting with his men, 

Ere trumpets blow for march again. 

'Not many leagues — not far away, 

Will glow," he saith, "the fiery fray. 

My bound-up rage — my ire long pent. 

Will then be given freest vent. 

Ye sturdy men of Mount Sier birth. 

Shall band and traitor wipe from earth. 

No mercy show to man or child ; 

So high my smouldered wrath has piled. 

Till like a mount that breaketh fire, 

Will burst my smothered, righteous ire." 

27 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



'Sheep finer I have never seen, 
Than hath that shepherd on the green; 
Those chosen rams that take the lead 
Are truly of a noble breed." 

The shepherd spake, w^hen he, v^ith grace. 
Seven times had bowed and paused a space, 
'Lord Esau, these thy brother sends, 
And bade me say his love attends, 
The gift, and asks that you forgive ; 
For higher motives in him live. 
And he'll requite thee as he should. 
For wrongs, and render only good. 
Of thee he hath forgiveness sought. 
For all his sins of deed and thought." 

Esau on his sword did gird. 
As though no other sound he heard. 
A herd of goats and camels fine, 
Asses, and bulls of Bashan line. 
With drovers came, who bowing lower, 
Spake as the others had before. 
Still Esau did not seem to hear, 
But in his hand he grasped his spear, 
'Confine these fellows in the brink, 
Of yonder chasm — now I bethink. 
Let no man follow on my path. 
Or dare to brook my burning wrath." 

28 



ESAU'S IRE 



Off like an angry stag in might, 
He sped away, nor stayed his flight. 
Until he reached a gloomy glen, 
'Mid riven rocks and grassy fen, 
And there beside a shaft he fell, 
A broken column in the dell. 
By war gods rent, who fought and strove 
With gods of thunder — sons of Jove. 
''He thinks to buy me with his pelf, 
That I'm no better than himself, 
He saith 'That I could be cajoled. 
By sheep and asses, bought and sold. 
Shall Esau thus be sold and bought? 
Such yielding substance I am not. 
ril cleave the traitor with a blow." 

Sternly a still small voice said, "No." 
"I fear," he saith, "I even quake; 
I know not if I am awake; 
Did conscience speak within my soul. 
Or was it but a thunder roll? 
If conscience then designs reprove, 
ril choke it ere intent remove. 
If this great store be only part, 
I'll take the whole with ready heart." 
He saith: "With father's wealth untold, 
That he'd possess by exploits bold, 

29 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



This daring deed will make mine own; 
Mightier prince shall there be none." 

Loud honor cried to be redressed; 
More firmly spake this unseen guest; 

"Oh sinning soul, so foul a thing, 
Would rob thy rest, strong anguish bring." 

"Vyq had no rest this many a year, 
Like autumn's leaf, my life is sere. 
Revenge alone the hurt can heal. 
Yea, naught but gore can bring me weal. 

''The scorching lightenings of my wrath 
Shall check him in his onward path, 
Tis many a summer since the day, 
He crossed me on my prosp'rous way. 
The while I've hard and bitter grown, 
Until my heart is turned to stone." 

"Perhaps he was not always bad, 
He ever seemed a trustful lad. 
Yea, none could think of him so base. 
When they beheld his comely face. 

"Like dates all purpling in the sun. 
We lived, and loved, and thrived as one. 
My faithful heart went warm to him. 
My full life bubbled to the brim, 

30 



ESAU'S IRE 



With morning gladness, sweet the day, 
"When dew on all the branches lay. 
The pleasant air was full of balm — , 
Then did I flourish like the palm. 
E'en hillocks seemed to skip like lambs, 
The very hills like sportive rams. 
While mountain vinyards melt in wine, 
Of God's blest face I felt the shine. 

''Now weary ways are hard and dark. 
Of jeweled joys there glints no spark. 
My very soul to dust down cleaves. 
In heaviness it melts and grieves. 
Within me doth a fountain lie, 
Of tears, yet are mine eyelids dry. 

''Could I repress my rage and pride. 
Those gates that bar the crystal tide. 
Such bitter cries, yea I would make, 
The very stars in heaven would shake. 

"When I arose at break of day 
And to the stirring chase away, 
Warm I embraced him, ere to roam 
I went, when he remained at home. 
Were Jacob I, and were T he. 
Would he such vileness do to me? 
No he had not the manly power 
To triumph in a trying hour, 

31 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



He'd merciful and maudlin be, 

In force he never coped with me. 

Of strength I was a cedar tall, 

But he a vine to cling or fall. 

Full many a league once Laban came. 

Both daughters brought and goodly dame, 

Rachel, with fair and gracious mien 

Leah, who seemed a saintly queen. 

'The Assyran prince the other day, 
Told me ere starting on my way, 
That Rachel was his best beloved, 
Though Leah had his angel proved. 
And thrilling tales of ghosts and ghouls; 
Phoenix and goblins, gods, and souls. 
Within, such things are surging wild. 
And make me tender as a child. '* 

Low thunder echoes died away. 

And gleams and glooms had ceased to play; 

Slow eve's cool fingers closed the gate, 

Where passed the sun in purple state, 

And left behind on cloud and wold, 

A gilding as of liquid gold. 

Then twilight soft in wraps of gray. 

Day's brilliant beauty hid away. 

Prone Esau lay upon the ground, 

32 



ESAU'S IRE 



Till dark her mantle tucked him round. 
While lying thus upon his face, 
Within that weird and lonely place, 
He dreamed that they again were boys, 
United in their youthful joys. 
And as they rambled in the wood. 
Enjoying only boyish good, 
All suddenly he caught a gleam. 
Of dragon eyes in sunlight stream , 
And saw a demon from his lair 
Crouching to spring on Jacob there. 
Seizing his brother by the arm. 
And starting forward with alarm. 
He sprang into an open space. 
Where he beheld his mother's face, 
She seemed to beckon them above. 
Upon the holy mount of love. 
Sore burdened by his brother's weight. 
He toiling upward reached a gate, 
That opened by an unseen hand, 
And shut them in a gladsome land. 
On turning round to view the place. 
Again he saw his mother's face. 
As close he pressed his brother warm. 
He joyed to feel his breathing form. 

When from this startling dream he wakes, 
A storm of varied passion breaks. 

33 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



'A fiery glow" he saith, ''doth dry 
My veins as morning draweth nigh, 
Mine honor that so kingly sat." 

Replied the voice ''Fools prate of that; 
True honor makes a rounded man, 
For virtue's flame doth honor fan. 
'Tis never what thou hast, but art 
In kingly mind and kingly heart, 
That's worth supreme, and through life's press. 
Will give thee grace and manliness. 
For character, ne'er pride nor purse, 
Will be thy honor or thy curse. 
Though mortals err through base design 
Pardon is God-like, hence Divine. 
'Tis benedictions soft, not blood 
That render blessedness and good; • 

While souls revengeful — full of wrath. 
Can never climb the heaven-ward path. 
Sore weighted down — all sin becalmed — 
They thus remain till doomed and damned. 
Dear Uncle Lot called Jacob fair, 
And said he moved with pleasant air. 
That did with gracefulness combine, 
"Aye, fair he was," he saith, "and fine, 
A fairer lad was seldom seen, 
I smote, did any him demean." 

34 



ESAU'S IRE 



He passed from out the gloomy glen, 

Above the rocks and reedy fen, 

And fearless on a jutting crag. 

Lay like a weary hunted stag. 

With heights above, and depths below, 

Where shades in deeper darkness flow. 

Beneath, the rocks were sheeted ghosts, 

Above, pulsated sheeny hosts; 

The Milky Way all melting glowed; 

Behind, huge peaks of blackness showed; 

His very self seemed part of night. 

Around, o'er all the Infinite. 

''Can I prevail against a power. 
That maketh me myself abhor? 
What is,'' he saith, "my puny might? 
Tenfold He will to me requite. 
The wrongs I do in deed or thought. 
To harm a soul, or give it blot." 
A star down reeled and burning fell, 
He saith, ''Some angel's gone to hell. 
To ransom with a princely cost 
An anguished spirit well nigh lost, 
Perhaps returning on the road 
He'll still me with the touch of God. 

"Should I return, men will upbraid. 
They'll scorn and say he was afraid." 

35 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



"Is approbation more than life, 
Of brother, child, or brother's wife?" 

The voice in solemn knolling swell, 
Said ''Esau, thou art base as hell. 
Of strength thou mayest never prate, 
If fear of censure bears such weight. 
Thy sturdy will should choose the right. 
Let others jest, or blame, or slight. 
This thou should'st settle for thyself 
Nor let derision, wrath, or pelf, 
Between thee come and choice supreme." 

A scorching tongue did conscience seem. 

It showed his sins of scarlet dye. 

Like mountains towering towVd the sky. 

To righteous ways it did impel. 

And warned him of an awful hell. 

It thawed the icy rind of years 

And dewed his cheeks with tender tears— 

"Not all in deed or cunning plot. 
But sometimes what thou doest not" 
It saith "Will make thee kingly great, 
That men should bow, and thee await — 
To conquor Self, is conquest dear. 
That's more triumphant than of spear." 

36 



ESAU'S IRE 



Just then a dusky toad hopped past, 
He raised a stone at it to cast, 
But ere the blow he staid his hand. 
And said aloud in accents bland, 

''I will not harm thee — life is sweet, 
Get thee away to thy retreat." 
Spake voices that he could not smother, 

"Spare thou this thing, and slay thy brother? 

''On life's tempestuous sea Fm tossed. 
With anchor gone and rudder lost; 
Great deeps" he saith, "call unto deep 
As wildly on fierce billows sweep 
Around me, and floods madly pour — 
God thundereth in awful power. 

"Can nothing lift my sinking soul? 
Or must I yield to death's control? 
Ho! Mercy blest most kind and fair. 
Thou child of pity and of prayer. 
Sustain me in these awful woes. 
Ere darkness ever me enclose." 

Esau's Repentance 

"My Father's God; Though Fm so vile, 
Canst Thou not pardon all my guile? 
Sincerely I of sin repent, 

37 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



In mercy stay my punishment. 
Absolve Thou me from inbred sin, 
And make me wholly pure within. 
Remorse is lashing me, and shame — 
My garments tremble with my blame. 

'*ril build an altar on this spot 
If Thou wilt ease my wretched lot; 
JEHOVAH JAH, that dreadful word, 
That scarce can spoken be or heard; 
If offering can for sin atone, 
To heal my flinty heart of stone. 
To Thee I'll offer kids and rams. 
With fat of bulls, and calves and lambs; 
With incense shall my prayers ascend. 
And by these means my ways amend." 

He felt no touch, he heard no voice. 

That made his anguished life rejoice. 

Though in the stillness, all unheard. 

There was no breathing of a word. 

Yet witchery blest, stole through the hour. 

Assuring him of pard'ning power. 

And gave his troubled spirit rest, 

He knew he was supremely blest. 

Still was the tempest's angry roll. 

That threatened ruin to his soul. 

38 



ESAU'S REPENTANCE 



With natural law and force was he, 
In high and holy harmony. 

''Ah now" he saith ''what goeth there? 
What stir and rustle in the air? 

"Some prowling dog, that seeketh birds, 
I saw him with the drovers herds, • 
He must my brother Jacob's be, 
Come here nor farther onward flee, 
To smooth thy glossy neck and ear. 
Would give me more good hearty cheer. 
Than I could gain of kingly good. 
By many crowns besmirched with blood." 

One splendid star of liquid light 
That trembled in its dizzy height, 
And th' waining moon so thin and cold. 
With crescent horns all bent and old, 
Went toiling up the eastern sky. 
Precursors of the morning nigh, 
And by their kindly guiding lamp 
Esau went joyfully to camp. 

"There'll be no battle men to day," 
He saith "I've found a better way, 
That^aineth heights of truth sublime, 
And leadeth to a better clime, 
Where tempted ones go not astray, 

39 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



But motives break in silv'ry spray, 
Of actions kind, wrath turns to hopes, 
And courage leads up manly slopes. 
Should any wish this course to prove 
They'll find it in the realm of Love. 

'The swiftest, ride without delay. 
Before the morning yields to day, 
Say, Esau comes with loyal band. 
To warmly greet a brother's hand. 

Since on that fearful night of wrath. 
When each had trod the divers path, 
The flight of years had left their trace, 
On heart and brain and bearded face." 

Like drifting gold the sunshine lay, 
As clouds and shadows glide away. 
Wild blossoms bore the blush of June, 
While shook the air with songster's tune. 
As over crag and rose-lit lea, 
Rained clear sweet rippling melody. 

Behind the blaze of morning's beam. 
And verdure's sparkling glint and gleam; 
Behind the splendor and the song. 
Was GOD, and all the unseen throng. 

40 



BROTHERS MEET 



So thin the film — so soft the blue, 
Their subtile presence wafted through. 

Thus rosy morn with grace replete, 
Possessed the vale where brothers greet. 

They reach a moment all sublime, 

When conscious joy-bells ring and chime. 

With Holy Love that cannot fail. 

Their hearts ring out "All hail — all hail — " 

When they beheld each other's face. 

Hastening on to glad embrace. 

With strong emotion and desire, 

When soul touched soul with kiss of fire, 

Esau dropped down upon one knee. 

While all around him seemed to flee. 

As they remained apart a space. 

He said, ''When I have kissed thy face. 

Then could I die of gladness blest. 

And in a happy haven rest." 

Firm ISRAEL clasped his stalwart form. 

In close embrace he held him warm. 

And spake 'T thought to greet with goodly grace, 

But when you ran to my embrace. 

Such radiance all my being filled; 

Such rapture all my senses thrilled; 

Morn's golden shine turned sickly pale, 

And hid beneath a somber veil 

41 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



And all around me seemed to whirl, 

And falter in a very swirl ; 

But Esau ! thou wert strong of yore 

Does gladness move thee with such power?" 

''Such depths of joy my life doth shake — 

My spirit stirs," thus Esau spake, 
''It hath me of full strength bereft, — 

And strangely life from action cleft. 

Though we asundered were world-wide; 

Our greet hath gladness glorified." 

Since love hath set her torch afire. 
And burned from each their base desire, 
They met as angels meet in flight. 
With glitt'ring domes of Heaven in sight. 

With faces wet with tender tears; 

The pent up heart of bitter years. 

Long they embraced in melting mood. 

So tender was their brother-hood. 

Then each the other fonder drew. 

For larger love that loves anew, 

Had cleansed their souls till pure and fair. 

And wrought Divineness from despair. 

The place to them was Holy Ground, 
Where each a brother lost had found. 

42 




(0 

u 

9i 

■4-* 

o 

V 

u 
it 



CHAPTER IV 

Before the silvVy bar of morn, 

Had backward slid away, 
And loosed like gliding drops of pearl. 

The moments of the day, 

Dawn's tardy footsteps high had clomb. 

Far in the blushing height. 
With rosy finger tips to quench. 

The waning lamps of night. 

ISRAEL beheld the ruby flame. 
Leap through the sable smoke. 

That wound above his sacrifice. 
And into amber broke. 

When all the sacred rites were o'er, 
He saith, ''No word doth fail, 

The Lord hath held me kind and strong, 
Through calm and beating gale. 

'*To Bethel, I return once more, 
An altar new to rear. 
On this blest spot I talked with God, 
And angels bent to hear. 

43 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



*'Most fearful were the fangs of sin, 
When I from Esau fled, 
When lone I slumbered on the ground, 
With stones beneath my head. 

''Though all defiled by sin's foul touch, 
Here I repentence wrought. 
And on my soul the healing beams. 
Of God's great mercy caught. 

''His covenant He hath renewed. 
And added wealth untold. 
With family near and dear to me. 
And comforts manifold. 

"In gratitude my heart extols, 
His deeds and tender words. 
And precious promises fulfilled; 
Wholly I am the Lord's." 

"ISRAEL my Lord," a servant saith, 
"Thy brother bade me say, 
Of late thy father hath been low, 
And soon must pass av/ay." 

In haste the messenger had sped. 

To Hebron on the way, 
And quickly ISRAEL prepared. 

The summons to obey. 

44 



DEATH 

''Oh I could gild the morn with praise, 
And flush the air with song, 
In gratitude my heart doth raise, 
That father lived so long. 

"Now will his couch all lonesome stand, 
In silent emptiness. 
Where flowed his life in soulful song, 
Fraught with deep joyousness." 

Sad Esau sat beside the bed. 

His wife and children all, 
With tearful eyes and muffled tread, 

Bewailed the silent call. 

ISRAEL and family entered in. 

And all with bated breath. 
There waited for the sacred thing, 

The awful thing called death. 

''This music spake the dying sire, 
Is thrilling to the soul. 
In slumber's calm when spirit wakes. 
Such strains around me roll. 

"I long to break away and rise. 
And mount on waves of song, 
Orion gain and upward soar. 
On higher crests along. 

45 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



*'What fleeting phantoms fill the brain; 
Sure this is Jacob's voice, 
When warm your hands are on mine own, 
I scarcely have a choice. 

"To go to meet your mother, lad. 

The path is dimly plain. 
To join her in that sun-lit land, 
Or longer here remain. 

"Although your face I cannot see. 
Your tone and touch is joy; 
The greeting of the morning stars, 
Aye comes with thee, my boy. 

"Sometimes the curtains will arise. 

Or they will sway and shake; 
And when my blinded eyes behold. 
In other realms I wake. 

"Of late your mother plain I saw. 
As on her bridal day. 
Stand by me in her snowy robes. 
And as she passed away. 

"She turned and waved a beckoning hand, 
(None fairer ere than she) ; 
I saw the gleam her jewels lit. 
Shine out most marv'lously. 

46 



THE HYMN 



'My father and my mother next, 

Smiled on me, then, alas. 
They both were wafted far away, 

Upon a sea of glass. 

'Now I am here, and then elsewhere; 

Dissolving is this state; 
Tm blind — I see — there is no light — 

Then shineth light that's great. 

At even tide he breathed a prayer. 
And passed the silent bom-n. 

Whence though the way be open wide, 
From thence none ere return. 

Amid the women's weeping wail. 
Was heard a tearful strain, 

As though some singing seraphim. 
Was sobbing in refrain. 

The Hymn 
(Which the wailing women sang.) 

All broken lies life's golden bowl. 
That held love's precious wine. 

That did our human hurts console, 
Till trials seemed Divine. 

47 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Severed is the silver cord, 

And snapped in twain the bow, 

And manhood from his strength and pride, 
By death is smitten low. 

The fire burned hot as I mused on. 
That I mine end might know. 

The measure of my fleeting days, 
How frail I am below. 

Our days are three-score years and ten ; 

If four-score years be they, 
Sorrow and labor is their strength. 

And soon we flee away. 

Make glad according to the days, 

Afllictions were but just. 
Then shall thy marv'lous work appear, 

In beauty from the dust. 



With honors that befit a king. 
With dirge and march and hymn. 

And woman's weird and weeping wail, 
''Esau and Jacob buried him/* — (Bible.) 

With spikenard round the body wrapped; 

With myrrh and pleasant balm; 
They went their way and left it in 

The grave's eternal calm. 

48 



THE BURIAL 



Thus Isaac to his father's was, 

Gathered in ripe old age, 
And he was laid beside his v/ife. 

And Abraham; holy sage. 

When all the funeral rites were o'er. 
And mourners in the streets. 

Unto his brother Esau came, 
And thus he kindly greets. 

''Dear brother JACOB, may I know. 
From whence the solemn dirge, 
The mourners sang at father's grave. 
For still it seems to surge. 

''Like autumn leaves that circle round, 
And round, and round again. 
So through my being it doth swirl. 
Through saddened heart and brain." 

''Yea brother, that was Judah's verse 
His was the mournful boon," 
Saith ISRAEL, "Levi, gave the hymn, 
It's sweet and tender tune." 

"The script is in my sandal chest, 
'Mid parchments gray and old. 
That brings the longing soul more worth, 
Than hoards of Ophir gold." 

49 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



''Such verse'' saith Esau ''when e'er heard, 
In funeral dirge or song, 
Brings kindly comfort to the soul. 
Though sad it soars along. 

"As breaths that coming soft and warm, 
From off a sunny plain. 
Portends the balmy budding spring. 
Such thoughts great truths contain." 

Dirge 
{Copy of Funeral Dirge given by ISRAEL to Esau.) 

"Lord Thou hast been our dwelling place — 
Ere mountains were brought forth. 
From everlasting Thou art God, 
Ere Thou didst form the earth. 

"Thou knowest all our secret sins. 
Shut not Thine ear to prayer. 
Deal gently with our waywardness — 
Be merciful and spare. 

"Oh Lord most holy and most high, 
Who giveth life and breath. 
Our souls deliver from the pain, 
Of an eternal death. 

50 



DIRGE 

'If man sin not he'd fear not death, 

Death is of sin the sting, 
But thanks to God who o'er the grave, 

To man doth triumph bring. 

'I heard a voice from highest heaven, 
'Write thou the things that be 

Hence forth most blessed are the dead, 
Who die and reign with me.' 

'I know that my Redeemer lives; 

Shall stand on earthly sod, 
Though worms the body will destroy, 

In flesh shall I see God. 

Thus ISRAEL spake, when Esau ceased. 

And he each line had read, 
'To mourning ones this comfort brings. 

And hopes for blessed dead. 

'Such thoughts new meanings give to life, 

In ways all hard and dark, 
If aching, chafed and driven souls, 

May catch a ruby spark. 

'Of God's great gleaming glory fire. 

And know its light divine. 
Streams through the portal of the tomb, 

Grief changes to a shrine. 

51 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



*'And out of all that was so hard, 
With baffled aim and task, 
Breaks forth the living water clear, 
In which we drink and bask. 

''When light of vast eternity. 
Is flooding time and space, 
Our deserts burst in odorous bloom. 
Of loveliness and grace. 

''When man came fresh and warm from God, 
Creation's crown was he. 
And he with beings blest kept step. 
In truth and purity. 

^'Within him moved the breath of God, 

From His, his soul was wrought; 
'From burning veins of Deity' 

Were drawn man's life and thought. 

"He felt the gleaming and the warmth. 
Of GOD'S grand loving face. 
His pure and pearless pulsing wing. 
O'er shadowed man's slow pace. 

"Strong wings the seraphim unfurled. 

And downward swept to earth. 
Where they with guileless man communed, 
Or break in anthems forth. 

52 



A PROPHECY 



''Resounding symphonies rolled back, 
As voices swept along, 
With rustling wing and throbbing lyre, 
A grand tempestous song. 

Whene'er the soaring seraphim. 

Met man on earthly sod, 
Through lips afire with praise they sang, 

'We greet the sons of God/ , 

''Then with its base defiling touch. 
Sin smirched his trusting soul. 
And marred his snow-white purity, 
And turned his joy to dole. 

"His palmy days grew black with storm. 
And murky sulph'rous cloud, 
While hurtling thunder swept the sky. 
From his offended God. 

"Yet through the tempest and the night, 
One ray of mercy broke. 
Whose holy beams of promise blest, 
A fiame of hope awoke 

"Of a restorer yet to be, 

Who could the foulest taint, 
Cleanse from the sinning soul of man, 
Till he'd become a saint." 

53 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



"Aye, aye, my brother'* Esau spake, 

"Is not our sacrifice, 
A finger pointing to the priest. 
That shall for us arise. 

And full atonement make for all; 

E'en every soul of man, 
Who could his purity restore. 

With thoughts renewed and plan." 

"That his awakened angel harp. 
With pure and blest desire, 
Might thrill again in prayer and praise, 
Lost cords of holy fire?" 

While Leah pets a petted lamb. 

That doth not join the fold, 
She pausing said: "I beg your grace, 

The prophets have fortold. 

"As man from paradise was driven, 
And loss by woman came. 
So through our motherhood shall even. 
Be far removed the blame. 

"Thus stands the promise rich and broad, 
All burning bright 'tis read. 
From sacred script, that 'woman's seed, 
Shall bruise the serpent's head.' 

54 



A PROPHECY 



''Sure will the restoration come, 
Conscious of sins forgiven, 
Reclothed may manhood spotless stand. 
In purity of heaven. 

"To woman should this promise be, 
A priceless covering, 
Of all the offerings brought to God, 
The choicest she should bring. 

"Of all the praises that ascend. 
She clearest notes should sing. 
To sparkle sharp as flashing stars. 
While far their echoes ring." 

Judah was reading unobserved. 
In parchments old and gray. 

That told the story of the flood. 
And open there one lay. 

When Leah passed on thus he spake, 

''My mother is so fine, 
'Twould seem but fitting she should grace, 
A worthy royal line. 

"Her eye hath caught the tender shine 
And sympathizing gaze, 
Of pity that is half Divine, 
That ruleth all her ways. 

55 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



*'Stern Justice bears the sword of death, 
(Great conqueror enthroned), 
Like battling tempests in their might. 
Is he with lightenings crowned. 

''But Mercy chaste and innocent, 
Is decked with stars of light. 
She bears the holy dew of hope, 
That beads life's lilies white. 

"Yet somehow, somewhere they must wed. 
On truth's grand mountain old. 
The heart of Justice will gleam back. 
Sweet Mercy's touch of gold." 

Then Esau spake: "Thy Judah is 

A fair and worthy youth. 
Quite deep in wisdom are his ways. 

In manliness and truth." 

Saith ISRAELTin an undertone 

"God spake at Bethel shrine 
And said : 'A king should spring from us. 
To come in kingly line.' 

"When looking on his kindly face. 
Me thinks I see a sign; 
Aye more than kings I sometimes think. 
Might spring of Judah's line. 

56 



A PROPHECY 



''Some one: perchance a king of men — 
A king and yet a saint, 
That could lift up a fallen soul, 
And cleanse it from sin's taint. 

''Yea, Leah's great and tender heart, 
Where only blessings thrive, 
Shows possibilities supreme. 
That God might make alive. 

And blend the human and divine, 

Within a Holy One, 
Higher than v^e, more lifted than 

An angel in the sun. 

May he not rear some altar blest, 

That endless incense rise 
Where might he offering make for all 

Of one great sacrifice. 

Then Esau asked "Why sacrifice 
And worship at two shrines?" 
"Because for sin, and sinfulness. 
These are the outward signs." 

"Of Bethel," ISRAEL said "Whereat, 

Of sin I did repent. 
And God forgave my wretched wrongs, 
And burdened free I went, 

57 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



''Can baneful hurt that mortals feel, 
Give unto souls distressed, 
More aching, gnawing, grinding pain, 
Than sin that's unconfessed?'' 

''Although confession is a form, 

Unless we turn from sin, 
And do with might the will of God, 
And let Him rule within. 

"Nor is there potency in prayer. 
Unless we do His will. 
Unless relying on His word, 
And truth our bosom fill. 

"When I had done that shameful wrong, 
And angels of despair, 
Hedged up my way with sable wings, 
I cried for mercy there. 

"And there I felt the touch of GOD 
Upon my sin stained soul. 
When from the purple of His power, 
The skies did backward roll. 

"The altar of GOD'S house I reared. 
As a repentance shrine. 
And named it BETHEL, where my soul, 
Had felt His touch Divine. 

58 



REPENTANCE 



"And through the smoke I ever see, 

A sweep of angel wings, 
And kindling glory in the sky, 
To mind this altar brings. 

''It keeps a sacred memory green 
And calls to mind a vow, 
When at its sacrificial shrine. 
With hallowed rites we bow. 

''Here burdened sinners love to come, 

To this secluded spot, 
When one is tempted sore and tried. 
Through Satan's baneful plot, 

"He comes to BETHEL and lays down. 

His weary sinful load. 
And with the smoke of sacrifice, 
He pardon prays from God. 

"And when the burden off is rolled, 
All free from guilt and fear. 
On looking up he feels the drop 
Of a forgiving tear. 

"Those who have felt the fangs of sin 

And feel the sting remove. 
They truly know the blessedness, 
There is in Holy Love. 

59 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



''EL BETHEL is a sacred shrine, 
Whereat we sacrifice, 
While glory glows in brighter shine, 
As fragrant incense rise/' 



Spake Esau "I must now away. 
Another time thou'lt tell, 

Why thou this other altar built. 
And named it GOD-BETHEL. 



60 



CHAPTER V. 

Israel and Esau Together in Prayer 

Great tidal waves of crimson beams, 

Surge o'er the emerald hills, 
The silv'ry pools responsive blush. 

The air fine odor spills. 

ISRAEL is at morning prayer, 

With Esau and his sons. 
Who are his loving guests again, 

With wives and little ones. 

While as their aspirations rise. 

In pure and blest desire. 
Like incense wafting from the soul; 

Breaks forth the Holy Fire. 

When prayer and sacrifice were o'er, 

A grateful song they sung. 
Through all the singing and the hymn, 

A sacred gladness rung. 

Hymn 

'Praise God from whom all blessings flow! 

Ye angels in your height. 
Archangels blest with faces veiled, 

And all ye saints of light. 

61 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Fall down before His burning throne — 

Ye shining hosts adore, 
The awful majesty of GOD, 

In praise your anthems pour. 

Thou sun and moon — ye stars of night — 

Fulfilling all His word; 
Ye stormy winds that rage in might, 

Sweep on and praise the Lord. 

Yea singing birds, and flying fowls. — 

Ferocious beasts and tame — 
And you, ye dragons from your deeps, 

Come forth and praise His name. 

Ye nations and ye peoples all; 

Great princes of the earth; 
Maidens and youths and aged men, 

Let all in praise break forth. 

Praise ye the Lord, all things that breathe; 

As long as life endure, 
Break forth in bursts of melody. 

Praise, worship, and adore. 



Spake Esau, when there fell a hush: 
''Brother, wilt thou define; 
Or please the story to relate 
Of this most sacred shrine?" 

62 



CHAPTER V 



Then ISRAEL saith ''When Adam sinned, 

Great fear fell on his soul, 
And all the horrors of the lost, 

Held him in their control. 

''He heard the voice at eventide. 

That he had loved so well, 
And o'er him fell a darkness dread. 
He feared, as we fear hell. 

"An awful gulf yawned dark and deep; 
A chasm far across. 
With guilty fright his soul awoke. 
With torment of his loss. 

"And ever since a sinning soul. 
Will start and shake with fear. 
When death and judgment come in thought, 
Or it GOD'S voice should hear. 

"When ere a soul on heaven crowned hills. 
Near GOD would walk in white, 
Of sin's defilement it must be. 
All pure as crystal light. 

"And it must turn from sin away, 

And shun the deadly thing, 
The wayward will in harmony, 

With GOD'S blest will must bring. 

63 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



''Repentance is the first great act! 
It is the corner stone; 
In earnest godly grief for sin, 
That seeketh to atone. 

''When I had laid my sacrifice, 
On th' altar Bethel there. 
And all my hidden sins brought out, 
And every fault laid bare. 

"And when the fire acceptance brought, 
A pardon to my soul. 
And from polution I went forth. 
Free from defiled control, 

"Within the heart there still remained, 
A root of wrong desire. 
Though I gained pardon for my sins, 
Through sacrificial fire. 

"Yet unaware sins grew again, 
And gaA^e me cause to mourn, 
Sometimes they seemed almost as vile, 
As any I had borne. 

"Then sins came forth from lurking place, 
And passed me like a ghost. 
As trooping by me in the dark. 
They seemed an hellish host. 

64 



CHAPTER V 



''Oh wretched man I truly am, 
Ah, who deliverance hath, 
That can relieve the sin-sick soul. 
From body of this death. 

"Intense I longed to rid myself. 
Of every taint of sin. 
To have all motives pure and true. 
And clean the life within. 

''The more I saw my sinfulness 
The deeper grew the gloom, 
Though awful is God's holiness. 
Apart from Him is doom. 

*Tn all this universe so vast. 

Naught but His sovereign power, 
Can take away the death of sin. 
And purity restore. 

"Anew I gave myself to GOD, 
Forever His to be, 
Yea, all I had, and all I' was, 
His own eternally. 

"And then I laid my every power. 
Of body, spirit, mind, 
Upon an altar newly made. 
In covenant to bind. 

65 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



*'To let Him make me as He would, 
Nor dare with Him contend, 
To do as He should me require, 
E'en to each idol rend. 

"To recognize in every way, 
GOD'S ownership within, 
A full surrender to Him make. 
Cleaned up from inbred sin. 

''Then forces baneful strove with me, 
That self should self control, 
They wrestled long and struggled hard, 
To damn my desperate soul. 

Yet fervently with outward reach, 
I longed for deathless good. 

All stricken lay my sinful self, 
And sore I cried for GOD. 

''Like one out on some desert lone. 
In painful want and dread, 
E'en so I yearned and hungry cried, 
'Oh for the living bread.' 

"Then on my vision burst a form, 
Of Godly mien and grace, 
Fresh coming from the Great Unknown, 
Melchidek's the face. 

66 



CHAPTER V 



"His holy hand then slew for me, 

Unholy powers within, 
And when the blow smote selfishness, 
It killed the roots of sin. 

''Then heart to heart I talked with Him, 
As to a faithful friend. 
And face to face with Him I strove. 
And wrestling strong did rend, 

''His blessing like all heaven let down. 
With windows open wide. 
And in its glory I was swathed, 
Around on every side. 

"As flame sweeps o'er the sacrifice, 
I saw the wave descend. 
From out the sparkling of His power, 
Till it did burn and rend 

"My soul apart from earthly things. 
And I with God alone, 
Gained there the blest experience, 
That I am all His own. 

"As glory wonderful swept on, 

Through raptured brain and heart, 
Joy's greater gladness in me moved, 
Its fulness to impart. 

67 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



''I knew my sacrifice of self, 
Had full acceptance wrought, 
And all my powers in harmony, 

With God's blest will were brought. 

"A stronger and a richer life. 
From His great store Divine, 
Now gushes from His heart of love. 
And enters into mine. 

''By higher motives I am led, 
His paths to follow in, 
His love hath wholly me absorbed; 
His touch cleansed me from sin. 

" 'Tis lighted by the face of GOD, 
This consecration shrine, 
And always when we worship here, 
I feel His glory shine. 

"El-Bethel is its sacred name. 
Because it is a sign. 
Of how my soul is wrapped with God 
In fellowship divine. 

"And I go on in wealthy ways, 
To gladly follow Him, 
In pastures green He leadeth me — 
My cup o'er flows its brim. 

68 * 



CHAPTER V 



''Though rough and rugged ran the road, 
Through valley's dark and lone 
He outward led in pleasant paths, 
And better farther on. 

"The rustle of His robes I hear 
Around me in the air. 
And something of their shine I see, 
As much as I can bear. 

When He drew beside me nearer. 
Earthly voices seemed to cease; 

When to Him I all surrendered. 
Then He gave me perfect peace. 

"Oh what peace His presence givfes me, 
Peace so strange to me before, 
Now it floweth like a river. 
On and on, forever-more. 

"Crystal 'fountain, ever flowing, 
My soul thirst I stake in Thee, 
Spring of life, of life infilling 
Is thy water unto me. 

"Great Shekinah! I have found Him, 
Whom with longings I have craved. 
And He satisfies me wholly. 

Through His fullness I am saved. 

69 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



My every care He makes His own, 

For I to Him belong, 
E'en trials often triumphs prove, 

And sorrows break in song. 

''Beneath His shadow I abide, 
Where safe He shelters me, 
There in His secret place I hide 
And of His glory see. 

I walk a path that glowth bright 

And brighter as I go. 
And it reflects a shining light. 

That gleameth white as snow. 

I sink with, all that doth adorn 

In God's blest will Divine, 
As stars blend in effulgent morn, 

Lord melts my life in Thine. 

My very soul a harpstring is. 

That thrills with pulses sweet 
And throbbings warm from God's great heart 

In harmony complete. 

I've found the source of life and power 

That floweth from above, 
And all my being's grace and dower. 

Is melted into love. 

70 



CHAPTER V 



I take fast hold on His great might 

When dangers threaten me 
My strong high tower and my defence, 

My rock of refuge, He. 

''Now Levi bring thy cithern forth, 
And sing thy latest lay, 
Blest witch'ry broods in sacred song, 
That gladness brings alway." 

Song by Levi 

Oh! the comfort and the blessino- 

For sinful life in weary plod, 

When from thorny pathways passing, 

An upward soul breaks through to GOD, 

Oh, what glory and what gladness, 
When fetters part that bear sin's load. 
And through soul remorse and sadness 
He feels the tender touch of GOD. 

Oh, what fullness and what sweetness, 
On the driven soul bestowed, 
When in union and completeness, 
It comes in harmony with GOD. 

71 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Gone the hunger and the heartache 
And the grinding guilt and care, 
Impulses blest start up and wake, 
From out their langour and despair 

A fairer light his joys enhance, 
Than falls on neither land or sea, 
Deep flooding wide in pure expanse, 
His being all divinely free.' 



''Aye, aye," my brother Esau spake, 
How canst thou press so near 
The awful shadow of God's throne. 
And neither quake nor fear? 

'Tf in His radiance thou canst stand; 
His splendor can'st behold. 
His golden air around thee gleam, 
And canst on Him lay hold? 

"If thou cans't feel His garment's fringe, 
Upon thy shoulder laid. 
Or look upon its blinding shine. 
And then not die afraid? 

"Why doth thou really know the need. 
Or want of Daysman kind, 
To stand twixt thee and His dread face. 
And with His presence bind 

72 



CHAPTER V 



''Thee to His holy heart of power, 
If thou canst live and tell, 
How burning glory wrapped thee round, 
With beams ineffable?" 

''Why brother dear," ISRAEL replies, 
" 'Twas not these outward eyes, 
That pierced the awful mysteries, 
Fast locked within the skies. 

"It was the inner sense and soul, 
And consciousness that saw. 
The eyes of being tightly closed. 
Will ope in course of law. 

"To drop the seed within the earth, 
Seems but a wasteful thing. 
Yet warming touch of shower and shine, 
Makes life to being spring. 

"Thus holy forces on the soul, 
Will pierce its mortal clod; 
Until the germs of life unfold, 
And it is born of GOD." 

"The great surrender was my will. 
To let Him have control 
That He could do what'er He wished, 
In body, mind, or soul. 

73 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



When I had yielded up my all, 
There gleamed a holy spark, 

And spirit eyes flew open wide. 
To see what had been dark. 

"As matter doth respond to mind, 
That it would start and move, 
Thus spirit can the mind control, 
And bend the will to love. 

"If thou wouldst catch the faintest gleam 
Of glory, thou should'st strive. 
To bring thy barren soul to GOD, 
For Him to make alive. 

Naught canst thou do but to receive ; 

New forces start within, 
As power upon thee from without. 

Doth heal and cleanse from sin. 

"Then thou canst clearly see and know. 
His face upon thee shine; 
With weight of blessing He will give 
Thee strength that is Divine. 

"Yet man an Intercessor needs. 
His trials all are great. 
He needs the hand of a God-man, 
To bear life's troubled weight. 

74 



CHAPTER V 



"Could not one come, our cause to plead, 
All human wrapped as we, 
Who could be tempted on all points, 
Yet hold the victory? 

''If God's blest blood course throug-h man's veins, 
Will He not downward lean, 
And incarnate His word in Life, 
To reach the soul unclean?"^ 

"Will He not cleanse its sinful stains 
With coals of living TRUTH, 
And through some blessed WAY, 
Impart His own immortal YOUTH? 



(( 



I well recall a vision of 

A ladder built of light, 
That lit the dark at Bethel here, 

And pierced the vaulted height. 

Where angels down with willing wing. 
Bore blessings of great worth, 

And then returned to God again, 
With wants of man on earth. 



''Yea sorely needeth troubled souls, 
A pathway unto GOD, 
Although through prayer and sacrifice, 
There comes a hallowed good. 
*Thc Christ. 75 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



"Yet of a Daysman is there need, 

To lay on man one hand, 
And one on God's almightiness, 
To bind both in one band. 

''Some Great High-Priest that is Divine 
Yet bears the heart of man 
Who having might and love of God, 
Could feel as mortals can. 

"Me-thinks the dream was a fore-gleam. 
Of some great plan Divine; 
Some truth that yet will incarnate; 
Prophetic is the sign. 

''Man walks with bare and blistered feet. 
Ways up to God — forsooth, 
He needs a new and living Way, 
A Way of Life and Truth." 



Then Esau spake "Can others climb, 
Clear up the dizzy height. 

To thy sky-cleaving peaks of truth; 
Nor perish in their flight? 

76 



CHAPTER V 



"Yea, all my brother," ISRAEL saith, 
"By whatso'er impell 
His stubborn will must humbly bend, 
Right there the angels fell." 



Then Esau spake " 'Twould make one serve, 

And be a very slave. 
Where then would be the royal right. 

To use the gifts GOD gave? 



"Yea," Israel saith, "And thou shalt serve 
• The question is with whom? 
Thou must be guided by a choice. 
To doubt, is to presume. 

"Well doing maketh joy-bells ring. 
Wrong doth from weal withdraw ; 
Thy soul should be in harmony. 

With GOD'S great rule called Law. 

"Two forces only rule the Earth, 
Sore one defiles and kills — 
The soul thus wholly one destroys, 
To GOD the other builds. 

"In knowledge GOD is all supreme; 
While man can only peer. 
Into existence's single point 
Of puny life-course here. 

17 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



'But God through vast eternities, 
Beholds each long life line, 

With wisdom infinite may choose, 
In mercy all Divine. 

''GOD'S greatness is unsearchable. 

So high is He and grand; 
The thunder of His mighty power, 
Ah, who can understand? 



Of sin's vile bondage evermore, 
Art thou made truly free. 

From its surprise and afterhurt, 
Of ache or agony?" 



"Nay," ISRAEL saith, "No one is free. 
As long as life remains, 
From baneful possibilities of sin. 
And all it appertains. 
"Unless in oneness he with GOD, 

Shall dw^ell inseparable; 
Then in the presence of His Power 
All things are possible." 



"Is not the worship just the same, 
Whichever shrine we use? 

"All bow," saith Esau, "to one Lord, 
Whichever he may choose. 

78 



CHAPTER V 



''Can blessing and forgiveness both 
At once be granted thee? 
And would not one shrine be as well, 
As either two or three? 

"Where e'er an upward soul meets GOD, 
And gains its blest desire, 
By climbing toilsome, stony paths. 
Or from a stair of fire?" 



Saith ISRAEL: "He may his Bethels rear. 

Or altars all in onQ, 
And see the tongue of flame appear. 

And know he hath well done." 



Thus ISRAEL spake, and saith: "A verse 

Judah may now repeat. 
That we may sing, and then fill up. 

The hours as seemeth meet." 



A Song 



In darkness is God's secret place, 

Pavilioned all about, 
Are clouds that veil His wond'rous face 

And circle Him w^ithoul. 

79 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Though thunders break in voices loud, 

Within His awful height, 
And round His throne He spreads His cloud, 

The emblem of His might. 

Yet He not always is revealed, 

In voice of thunder roll, 
As on it sweeps all tempest filled, 

Upon a storm-swept soul. 

But gently as the dews descend, 

Upon the daisies fair, 
So will His spirit softly blend. 

With humble souls in prayer. 



80 




c 

U 
CO 

■•-> 
bp 

o 
o 



CHAPTER VI. 
The Ministry of Suffering 

Calm night, all holy and serene, 

Is on her dusky throne, 
The tranquil air in somber hush, 

Hath dim and silent grown. 

The harvest moon is at her full; 

Clouds lie in feath'ry fold, 
With pale hues dripping from their fringe, 

'Neath fleecy skirts of gold. 

In liquid softness melt the stars, 

A chain of moonlit fells. 
Rests underneath the placid sky. 

White glow their emerald swells. 

Afar yon mountain cleaves the sky, 

Majestic, pearly crowned. 
His hoary head among the stars. 

That circle him around. 

Over the river's yielding brink, 
A moonbeam bridge is borne. 

Where flashing rimples rise and sink, 
The shining path adorn. 

81 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



A line of silver rims each crest, 

Of purple wavelet's swell, 
Broken and rippling on the flood, 

The glisten rose and fell. 

And oh! the harmony of beauty! 

That is welling all around, 
So entrancing yet so soothing, 

As it breaks through sight and sound. 

Again reunion day has come, 

The gladdest of the year. 
When all may meet with ringing greet, 

And hands touch hand with cheer. 

Brothers and wives are in the calm, 

Of life's long afternoon, 
Ere twilight shadows round them gloom, 

And dark comes silent oh. 

Their sons and wives are in their prime. 

With children growing tall, 
Now in the land of Goshan, 

They visit one and all. 

The elders sit without the tent, 
Bathed in the moonlight fair, 

Its peaceful presence pressing down. 
And resting everywhere. 

82 



THE MlxNlSTRY OF SUFFERING 



Spake Esau: ''How compares the glory 

Of this golden stream, 
That swathes us in its wond'rous wave, 

Till we can feel its beam 

"With brightness thou has seen, and why, 

E'en unto beings brim. 
Are we with adoration charged. 
When beauty grows sublime?" 



Saith ISRAEL: "This is all of GOD, 

His outergarment's fringe. 
But of the hidden glory glow. 

Thou canst but catch a tinge. 

''Some say ALL things are only parts. 
Of one stupendous whole. 
Whose body this great Nature is, 
And GOD the living soul. 

"We know we cannot find a spot. 
Upon this earth so fair. 
Without His presence or His life. 
For GOD is everywhere. 

"God's glory that I told thee off; 
His character I meant; 
And when His presence touched my life, 
All through me keenly went 

83 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



"A thrill, His substance I beheld — 

(Great fount of life within) 
As through my being sweet it went, 
I was to Him akin. 

"His wond'rous glory that I saw, 
Was character Divine, 
That through His glowing attributes. 
Burns with a rapturous shine, 

''That lights man's darkened heart and brain, 
And makes life forces move, 
By His own awful holiness, 
That melteth into love. 

''His lofty character we call, 

By glory and Wisdom's name; 
It giveth warmth and light to souls 
As sunlight doth the same. 

"As sunlight paints the lily's cheek. 

That groweth pure and fair. 

And blush of beauty on the rose, 

And gives them graceful air. 

"So He lights up man's character, 

With virtues rare and sweet. 
With holy impulse stamps the soul, 
And makes it kind and great. 

84 



THE MINISTRY OF SUFFERING 



''As light will show to outward eyes, 
The things that are about, 
So He reveals the qualities, 
That in man shineth out. 

"As light illumines all and throws 

Strange shadows weird and dark. 
So He reveals the hidden sins; 
No life without its spark 

''Of soul light, that will show the shade 
Of every crimson sin. 
And yet makes virtue richly bloom 
And knowledge grow within. 

"In every piercing lance of light 
That's pointing from the sun . 
Seven burning bars of color bright 
May change and blend in one. 

All streams of glory from the throne 

Bear each a seven-fold ray, 
That Knowledge, Wisdom, Justice, Truth, 

And Mercy will display, 

"And Love and Spotless Purity, 
These are the clear white beams; 
The whole is one grand glory-ray, 
That from the Highest streams. 

85 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



''Pass rainbow rays through crystal prism — 
These bars of brilliant beam, 
The seven fine colors sleeping there 
Will glow with one white gleam. 

''Likewise the attributes of GOD, 
Descending from above, 
When passing through the human soul. 
Become one ray of Love. 

"Thus when the weakest child of faith, 
Is anguished heart and brain. 
Then GOD'S Great Mother heart will throb 
With sympathetic pain. 

"Eye hath not seen nor heart conceived, 
Nor yet the ear hath heard, 
The things that now are all prepared 
For those that love the Lord. 

"Although His justice seems so stern, 
Wherein our trials dwell. 
Yet e'en our trials minister. 
That they His love may tell.'' 



Then Esau spake: "Canst thou tell why, 

We dwellers on this clod, 
So oft should sorely troubled be. 

Is anguish sent from GOD? 

86 



THE MINISTRY OF SUFFERING 



''The richest jewel man can bear 
Within his inmost heart," 
Saith ISRAEL "Is wrought out by pain- 
Burnished by ache and smart. 

''Could diamonds feel the polish wheel, 
Or chisel smite, could know. 
How they would suffer from the strokes, 
Ere they could burn and glow. 

"But hearts are not like diamonds hard, 
For they each impress feel, 
Of chisel blow upon them laid, 
Or wearing grind of wheel. 

"Some marks of scourge upon thee laid. 
Along the quiv'ring line, 
Leave open windows in the soul. 
From thence its jewels shine. 

"Oft trials come to let us know. 
That life is more than years ; 
Yea, more than drift upon a stream, 
With neither cares nor fears. 

"But something in the soul of man, 
All worthy good and grand, 
Is urging him to higher heights, 
And stronger self command. 

87 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



"A tree that has but surface life 

Is dwarft and little worth, 
Another one with roots grown deep, 
Strong upward boughs send forth. 

''And one ascending from the deep, 
May climb to heights sublime, 
Although eternity's rough winds 
Blow through the gates of time 

''And make him tremble in their sweep, 
And bend and beat him so, 
Yet in goodness, grace and power, 
He may in greatness grow. 

"Bereft of conflicts, one would lack. 
Incentives to" grow great. 
And lacking character and soul. 
He'd have no moral weight, 

"And freedom and the choice of will. 
Would be a meanless thing. 
He'd have no energy, nor aims, 
Nor triumph ought could bring. 

"When thus devoid of lofty dreams, 
He'd plod in endless round. 
With groping hands that listless fall. 
And eyes fixed on the ground." 

88 



THE MINISTRY OF SUFFERING 



Then Judah spake: "That calls to mind, 

A Hittite king once said, 
'When ere they slew an enemy, 

Or blood of foe they shed, 

''The soul of slain would enter in. 

The soul of him who slew. 
And greater power had he to wield, 

The sword when wars renew.' 

"Thus with our difficulties all 
(Unless we soon succumb), 
Their spirit enters and makes strong 
The souls that overcome; 

"That in the next fierce trial test, 

They twofold strength may wield. 
And other contests win upon 
Endeavor's battle field." 



"Yea," ISRAEL saith: "When trial tests 
Shall rack this mortal frame, 
Strong natures then will enegrize. 
And often break aflame, 

"And forcefulness and splendor show, 
While grappling with the hour, 
tn bringing forth their latent might, 
They wield a giant power. 

89 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



^And when the conflict fierce has passed, 
Of strength and patience sweet, 

Will add luster glow through life, 
And character replete. 

'And thus amid storms wildest surge. 

They'll gain a self control. 
That rests unmoved through time and tide, 

In quietness of soul. 

'Yea, often through some cank'ring care, 

Some trial fraught with loss, 
One gains fine tenderness of soul. 

By every added cross." 



Then Leah said: ''By trials strong, 
When props are swept away. 

Sore loss will bring man lasting good. 
If GOD becomes his stay. 

"All useless lies the precious ore, 
Till melted clear as glass. 
So through the burning crucible 
Of trial, one must pass, 

"That he may have his virtues shine. 
Resplendent as fine gold. 
He must a cleansing gain by fire. 
And impress mark of mold. 

90 



THE MINISTRY OF SUFFERING 



'Thus at white heat great souls must pass, 
Through molten fire of GOD, 

That after they. His image bear. 
And walk where He hath trod." 



'Aye," Levi saith: ''When from the glow, 

Of trial's furnace heat, 
If in its seething crucial wave, 

One freedom gains complete. 

'With sympathy that reaches down. 
Beneath all forms and creed. 

He'll be in touch with other's ills 
And succor those in need. 

'So would we share another's care. 

And in their trying hours, 
Our shoulders 'neath his burdens press. 

Until the ache is ours." 



JOSEPH arrayed in royal robes. 
Fresh from the Egyptian throne, 

With far-off soulful gaze spake out, 
In earnest tender tone: 

"Whatever good thy life may hold. 
Of wealth or grace it be. 
Thy treasure hath been bought by toil, 
Or born through agony. 

91 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



"The poet's lines blush with the blood, 
That's from his sore heart wrung, 
E're can his soul of beauty pent, 
Awake a deathless song. 

"The golden grain must find a grave 
Within earth's dusky mold, 
Ere it can live and bring again, 
Great harvests manifold. 

"The crawling chrysalis must die. 
That from its broken tomb, 
May poise the beauteous butterfly, 
In grace upon the bloom. 

"When dearest hopes are fully dead. 
In sepulchar are lain, 
At some white angel's thrilling touch, 
Refined they live again. 

"All fields of conquered selfishness 
Are mounds of lofty height. 
And from the grave of buried self, 
The soul is plumed for flight. 

"Fear not to take thy varied lot. 
The trophies and the scars, 

Nor why, nor how, GOD rules enquire 
Among His holy stars." 

92 



THE MINISTRY OF SUFFERING 



Spake Esau: "Yet the smoke ascends, 
From evening's altar there, 

And weary souls may thither find, 
A blest release in prayer." 



Saith ISRAEL: ''Though the hour be late, 

Yet while the fire doth burn, 
Yea, any burdened sin-sick soul, 

May unto GOD return." 



Beyond a group of olive trees. 
With dark plumes rising strong, 

Was bourne on zephyr's softest breath 
A wave of sacred song. 

Song 

I know not what, of joy or pain, 
This fleeting life my farther hold, 
I only know GOD'S loving care. 
Will ever closely me enfold. 

I know not why, earth's precious things, 
By dross are sorely seamed and marred, 
I only know that through His grace, 
Our loss may sometime be restored. 

93 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



I know not how, His spirit moves, 
Upon the sordid soul within, 
I only know God's living touch. 
Hath cleansed away my every sin. 

I know not where, I'll cross the bar, 
That parts in twain life's solemn sea, 
I only know that at the helm, 
Will one in safety pilot me. 

I know not when, my call may come, 
Or how, or even yet the place, 
I only know my Unseen Guide, 
And shall behold Him face to face. 



94 



CHAPTER VII. 

Solemnity: The Death of Israel 
The Immortality of the Soul. 

Esau had with the boatman pale, 

Passed o'er the silent sea, 
His farewell on a landward gale, 

Rang out triumphantly. 
ISRAEL on the strand of time, 

Listeth for muffled oars, 
His eye hath caught a gleam sublime, 

Of unknown golden shores. 

His grieving sons are kneeling round 

In tearless sorrow dumb, 
To face Death's mystery profound, 

All baffled and overcome. 
''My boys," he spake, "ere I embark, 

Upon an unknown sea, 
I'll leave some things for you to hark. 

When you shall think of me. 

''Between two silences," he saith 
'*A cry, this life hath seemed, 
A jutting light from out the dark. 
That flickered as it gleamed. 

95 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



"When life's germ breaks from bondage free, 
And growth its power employs, 
In that unending 'Yet to be,' 
'Twill yield eternal joys. 

''Here longings burn with fervent fires 
For something more of life, 
With hallowed unfulfilled desires. 
That oft engender strife. 
"Nay, God would not in mockry give, 
A being without good. 
To wrestle— long — to strive and bear — 
To hunger without food. 

Far are the spirit's outward reach, 

For something yet beyond, 
Some answer to the call of soul. 

Somewhere must sure be found. 
"The conscience, mind, and heart of man. 

Gleam with a spark divine 
Of a supreme intelligence. 

That through their efforts shine. 

"And naught can fill the soul but GOD, 
He is the need supreme, 
Without His spirit though we live, 
Life is an idle dream. 

96 



SOLEMNITY: THE DEATH OF ISRAEL 

When we shall break this fleshly bond, 
And soar passed regions dim, 

The budding prophecies of soul, 
Will be fulfilled in Him. 

"His righteous face I shall behold, 

His nature pure partake, 
And in His likeness (joy untold 

Satisfied I shall awake.) 
All things hath evanescent strife, 

Pertaining to this day, 
Yea all environments of life. 

Must change and pass away. 

''They only serve a greater end, 
Behind and through them all, 
Is One Supreme Benignent Mind, 
That governs great and small. 
''Obedience to this sovereign will, 
Brings peace and happiness. 
The workings of His perfect law, 
Is growth in righteousness. 

"But disobedience to the laws 

That guard man's life and breath, 
Will cause him banishment from GOD 
Which is eternal death. 

97 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



''When earthly things are swept away, 
And silent and alone 
The naked soul goes forth to GOD, 
To stand before His throne. 

''Whatever it hath been, or done, 

All crystallized will be. 
In character, that shall live on. 

And on eternally. 
Else, why this gift of personal choice? 

Why have I battles fought 
To gain the mastery of self? 

If I return to naught? 

"Or why responsibility 

Or any moral right? 
Or progress moving life on high 

And flooding it with light. 
If thought and interplay of force. 

But point to higher reigns, 
Blest heritage of life beyond, 

That consciousness maintains. 

"Sure life must go forever on. 
Progressing and for aye. 
Where possibilities supreme. 
Unfolding will bear sway. 

98 



SOLEMNITY: THE DEATH OF ISRAEL 

I bless you all — your children dear, 

Hark to the thrilling strain, — 
Oh! many voices singing high, 

Their chanting comes again. 

''There's one I see of stature grand, — 

Of high and holy mien, — 
It is the Great Melchesidek 

That Abraham hath seen. 
His shimmering robes and shining hair, — 

His face warms like the sun, 
As from His chambers of the morn, 

He smiles the earth upon. 

To Judah, last, he spake and blest. 

In tones of tenderness: 
''Thrice blessed thou, whom all shall praise, 

For thou shalt wrongs redress. 
Thy foes shall all before thee flee, 

Thy brethren to thee bow, 
A lion's whelp thou truly art, 

With strength I thee endow. 

"From thee shall not the scepter fall, 
Nor shalt thou be o'ercome. 
Nor 'tween thy feet a judge depart, 
Until GREAT SHILOH come. 

99 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



To whom the gathering people be, — 

His foal bound to the vine, 
His garments washed in grape's red blood, 

His vesture dipped in wine. 

'To other blessed ones I go: 

Beloved here: Good-bye! 
With hand in theirs while clasping yours, 

'Tis blessed thus to die. 



A sudden splendor lit his face. 
Great joy waves surged thereon. 

When he beheld the glory that 
From th' Unseen Holy shone. 

Asunder snapped the mortal bands, 
That held him prisoner long, 

With flashing seraphim he swept. 
Away in flame and song. 



Saith Judah: ''Through the parting shreds, 

Where he hath dwelt below, 
What radiance from th' Eternal streams. 

And burns in afterglow." 

100 



SOLEMNITY: THE DEATH OF ISRAEL 

The wailing women came around, 

And mournfully they sang, 
Most touching were the solemn strains 

As harps and voices rang. 



Wail of the Woman 

Lost is a star of living light, 

That lit a crown of royal might. 

And dwelt in beauty, grace and sound, — 

Where death and darkness reigns profound. 

As thunders break or oak falls near, 
Whose crashing echoes smite with fear, — 
A tall oak on the mountain side, 
Thus went he down in princely pride. 

Gracious, and great, and grand of mien, 
Was he, of princely walk serene. 
His pathways strewn with mercies done. 
Gleams like the waves at setting sun. 

He passed the unseen buundrv drear. 
When blushing leafage burned to sear. 
Ere ruin's wintery winds had come 
He heard the joyful call "Come Home." 

101 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Amid the sorrow and the gloom, 
That swathes the silence of the tomb, 
Faith caught the glimmer of a wing, 
And listening heard an angel sing. 

Then at the grave they chant a hymn, 
As faintly through the twilight dim, 
The silv'ry echo sinks and swells. 
It charms like far-off chiming bells. 

Hymn 

GOD'S living touch imparts His life. 
No harm can reach the soul. 

That bears JEHOVAH'S life and seal, 
While countless ages roll. 

The tomb is not all midnight gloom. 

Rather a twilight way. 
And through its somber shades we pass. 

To perfect life and day. 

Oh, Holy Hope, oh ! joy supreme. 

Oh, life beyond life's ken, — 
Forever shut in with our God, 

Amen, Amen, Amen. 



102 



CHAPTER VIII. 
Retrospection 

Now all the story has been told, 
With pictured scene and legend old, 
Strong living truths from it we gain, 
That strengthen life like grateful rain. 
As clarion blasts or bugles blown. 
Wind through the hills a sweeter tone. 
The echo of a silver horn, — 
Or distant chimes through fragrant morn. 
Dim voices from that far off shore 
Thrill listening hearts forever more. 

From out these checkered lives at length. 
Came tenderness and manly strength. 
Instead of pleasures that allure, 
Each gained a peace and purpose pure. 
Repentance wrought and blessing found 
Upon a consecrated ground. 
With lives of sacrifice and prayer, 
Their acts gleam through the distant air,- 
**Their worthy deeds from day to day, 
Chime like bells through the far away." 

103 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



There's somewhere in the Bible old, 
A precious promise sweetly told, 
That though thy sins appear to rise, 
Like mountains toward the bending skies. 
And though they be of scarlet hue, 
Yet if thou hast repentance true. 
As snow beneath the shining sun. 
Or white as wool shall they become; 
Yea, though they loom as mountains may, 
Yet shall they all be washed away. 

And canst thou not from sin arise, 

And all the lower earthly ties; — 

From rankling wrong within the breast 

That bars thee from thine angel guest, 

And in some quiet hallowed spot. 

Where GOD is, though thou knowest Him not, 

Build thou an altaV to His name 

In spite of faults and deeds of shame. 

There build thine altar grand and high. 

To loom up nobly toward the sky. 

Firm let it stand, that it may be, 

A guide to human destiny; 

That pilgrims on life's varied way, 

Through glowing dawns or twilights gray — 

May see afar its beacon glow. 

And shun the paths that wayward go, 

104 



RETROSPECTION 



And gain the restful refuge calm, 
Within the hallowed realms of balm. 
Repentance be its corner stone, 

To build great truths on one by one, 
And as you build each course around, 
May it indeed be hallowed ground, 
And prove a blessed Bethel even, 
A house of GOD and gate of heaven. 

When busy days have passed to rest. 
Peaceful, behind the placid west, 
When voices hush with evening's calm, 
Or melt and blend in sacred psalm; 
The moon appeareth just a rim; 
Pale hands of twilight soft and dim. 
Withdraw the crimson veil afar. 
That hides the golden evening star; 
Then whispered prayer at eventide. 
The gates of GOD may open wide. 
That faith may see the seraph choir. 
In sparkHng robes of jewel fire. 
That downward sweep from holy bowers, 
To greet these striving souls of ours ; 
And poise on azure wings of light. 
To courage give ere taking flight. 

105 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Of Bethel lay thy corner stone, 
That offering may for sin atone; 
A glory ladder gleaming bright, 
That will both GOD and thee unite, 
Shall flame before thy raptured eyes. 
And angels from the bending skies, 
Shall hover o'er thine altar there. 
To waft the incense of thy prayer. 



The Final 



Then love will through each varied action run 
From blush of morn till eve's departing sun, 
And will the mainspring of each purpose be, 
To blessed Christ and all humanity. 



The Dedication and the Benediction 

To Father, Son and Holy Ghost, 

We dedicate this song, 
To whom all glor}^ and all praise 

Eternally belong. 

106 



<-»«J*^ '*®'S: 







^^' rfi* *^ 







Ml 14. 









.F< 



I- sr 






Other Poems by the Same Author 

Abraham Lincoln 

When in th' eternal plans of GOD, 

He needs large souls and hands of might, 

To do His will, though with the rod, 
In grievous struggles for the right, 

One from the staring gaze of men. 
In burnished armor clad steps forth, 

Unsheathes the awaiting sword and then, 
Vast trampling armies shake the earth. 

Lincoln, none greater is than whom, 
Long learned in lore of worthy deeds. 

Heard the battering strokes of doom. 
And saw the nation's anguished needs. 

In times that made the hero great, 

And stout hearts faint and faint hearts fail, 
He donned the purple of the state 

And braved the storms of leaden hail. 

Though fevered war to frenzy ran, 
And he was torn by conflicts great, 

Yet strove he for the rights of man, 
And firm upbuilding of the state. 

109 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



When insufficient seemed all aid, 

And he was bowed by pressing care, 

Such heavy burdens on him laid, 

They crushed him to his knees in prayer. 

With hands that touched the Great Unseen, 
He gave the burdens to him o'er, 

Who in the shadow sits serene. 
Author of nations and of power. 

His driven soul there gained repose. 

In what to many is unknown. 
That in thick darkness God overthrows, 

And works out plans that are His own. 

With strength renewed again he turned. 
And caused Herculean powers to yield, 

When at white-heat war passions burned. 
And crimson dew bedrenched the field, 

His blade flashed forth a blaze of cheer, 
That lit the sad world's sordid gloom. 

E'en now its fire all glimmering clear, 
Is glinting through the martyr's tomb. 

No old escutcheons mark his line. 

He was by nature noble born, 
Among men's tow'ring ranks that shine. 

He rose e'en like the Matterhorn. 

110 



OUR FATHERLAND 



On history's grand and glowing page, 
His name is gleaming like a star; 

A brilliant orb that gilds the age, 
In burning beauty, flashing far. 



Our Fatherland 



Of a wond'rous land of greatness and glory, 
Is the theme gliding through my mystical rhyme, 
Whose marv'lous hist'ry peaceful and gory, 
Marks for the ages an epoc sublime. 

Mountains it hath on whose brow rests the skies, 
As they stand snow crowned in day's golden bars, 
Till evening drapes nature in somber dyes. 
And leaves them alone with God and the stars. 

There cataracts wild leap down in fury, 
Into chasms and glens, through woodland and wold. 
The gleam of their fountains fling out a glory, 
As they plunge o'er bowlders of silver and gold. 

Calm and serene the lakes where glide the waves, 
That splash the listless idler's dripping oar; 
There are gulfs and bays and streams beside. 
And ocean billows thund'ring on the shore. 

Ill 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



There' purpling vinyards and orchards galore, 
And broad swelling landscapes of cotton and 

wheat, 
And ores exhaustless for delvers in store, 
To melt and be molded in molten heat. 

All o'er this golden realm so fine and fair. 
Peoples from every clime and nation pour. 
As drifting in from out the "every where" 
And onward move, great cities rise and tow'r. 

Amid this prodigal wealth and beauty, 

Timid hearts grow brave and strong to endure, 

Convictions deep impelled on by duty. 

Are wrought into deeds of greatness and power. 

'Tis a land of achievement and progress — 
Each whets his thoughts on the mind of another, 
And through genius of force will win his success ; 
And the warm clasping hand of a brother. 

Praise GOD ! that the boom of home warfare passed 

o'er. 
And all were at peace with purposes true, 
The *'Gray" was welcomed in councils once more, 
The ''Grav" is honored as well as the ''Blue." 



112 



THE LAST WORDS OF FRANCES WILLARD 

Like a giant refreshed, in hustle and power, 
The nation united can march with firm tread, 
Going forth as one with strength to endure. 
To lick every foe until he is dead. 

Our Fatherland great, crowned with "Old Glory," 
Blest land of the free and home of the brave. 
More wonderful even than fiction or story, 
Pray, pray, for our banner that long it may wave. 



The Last Words of Frances Willard 

Through mists that shadows dimly bore, 
Her bark passed lone and still, 

None heard a dip of golden oar. 
On ripples gray and chill. 

Nor caught a gleam of snowy sail, 

When she was borne away, 
But clearly on a landward gale, 

Her voice like falling spray. 

A message sent that Hashed like tiame, 

Across the silent flood, 
'Here as of yore are we the same, 

How beautiful with GOD." 

113 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Her boat had reached the shining shore, 

Her feet its verdant sod, 
Echoes repeated o'er and o'er, 
"Beautiful with GOD." 



The Cloud's Silver Lining 

I think sometimes that 'mid the cares, 

That cumber up our life. 
While striving for a greater good. 

In conflicts fierce and rife. 
Through rough and rugged circumstance. 

That wakes discordant din, 
We're made to sorely suffer more. 

And sadder than we sin. 

While searching for some promise blest. 

To soothe a sorrow wild. 
We murmur thus "If GOD be GOD 

And I His little child, 
Can He serenely sit and see 

My gladness all depart, 
And not lean down as mothers do. 

To cheer a childish heart? 

'For there are times with smart severe. 

And bruises from the rod. 
We vainly strive to dimly trace, 

The loving hand of GOD." 

114 



THE CLOUD'S SILVER LINING 



*Twas thus in troubled trend one day, 
Hard thoughts oppressed me sore, 

Taking the sacred volume up, 
And turning its pages o'er, 

Till from that poem old and grand, 

rd drawn its lore within, 
And saw how saintly Job was scourged. 

Though purified from sin. 
When fiercely driven by loss and dread, 

With ache in heart and limb. 
He anguished cried ''Though He me slay 

Will I yet trust in Him." 

Then was the mystery revealed, 

How souls in greatness grow, 
Till they are reconciled to bear; 

To trust and love GOD so, 
They'd know all chastening from His hand. 

For holy purpose given, 
To cleanse the precious from the vile. 

And fit the soul for heaven. 

If strong we would in goodness grow 

And blest in heart's desire 
The earthly dross must melt away 

Within GOD'S crucial fire; 

115 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



For trial tryeth tender hearts, 

As fire refineth gold, 
From which shall blaze the costly gems, 

In settings manifold. 

Then let us aim for higher heights, 

Our pilgrim staff — the rod. 
With which the driven soul may climb. 

To converse hold with GOD. 

Though steep and rugged ran the road, 
Through somber shadow^s long, 

There morning gleams will gild the gloom. 
And heart-sobs break in song. 



An Apology for Not Writing a Poem at the 
Request of a Friend 

"Write me a song," she blithely said, 

''A song as yet unsung, 
Retune thy harp with dust o'erspread, 
To vibrate sweet and strong.'' 

I for a singer write a song? 

With depths of sweetness rare, 
A carol she herself had sung, 

Still lingered on the air. 

116 



A MIDSUMMER DREAM 



For her life's morning yet is red, 

Its blossoms opening fair, 
Songsters are spilling over head, 

Glad jewels of the air. 

"My heart is old, my hair is gray, 
My harp is out of tune," 
Tve had my day of warbling May, 
And clover-scented June. 

How can I sing in autumn time. 

When verdures crisp and brown. 
When th' air grows chill ere vesper's chime. 

And dark comes silent down. 

Perhaps as I near the shining shore, 

Ere I reach the silv'ry strand. 
The holy home th' ever-more. 

Amid the mansions grand. 

When from the height I see the choir, 

And hear the holy throng, 
To the rhythmic throb of golden lyre, 

I'll turn and sing the song. 



A Midsummer Dream 

One sad and solemn summer night, I slept, 
And dreamed that I a cruel cross did bear, 
Till to the earth I reeling slowly sunk. 
Crushed down beneath its weight that wrought 
despair. 117 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



The sun rode on his trackless wheel of fire, 
That rolled behind a high and hoary hill; 
My way was long, and rudely rough and steep. 
And night tucked round me tight her mantle chill. 

If I were on the higher heights afar, 
Above this dim uncertain slippery road. 
Perhaps I might arise and struggle on; 
Anguished I cried ''Now help me. Oh my GOD." 

Then strong, and stronger throbbed my strength- 
less veins. 
My heart burned like a brand of living fire, 
On winged feet I seemed to speed along. 
Till on the crest I gained my full desire. 

There on the mountain lay Morn's skirts of gold. 
And hard the world and cold beneath my feet. 
Clear through the sky the far heights I had 

climbed, 
Led on in sunny realms of gladness sweet. 

Then beings blest in spotless robes arrayed 
Thronged round me from their shining pathways 

down. 
They from my bruised back the burden bore. 
And lo it had become a jeweled crown. 

lie 




Rev. James M. Bull, P.H.D. 



IN MEMORIAM 

The Temple of Sobriety and the Goddess 
of Temperance written for a gospel temperance 
meeting at the request of my husband who was 
holding weekly gospel temperance meetings in 
Bismarck, North Dakota, where he had been sent 
by the Methodist Conference to build a church and 
get things started in the interests of a better civi- 
lization than existed there at that time. It was in 
the fall of 1879. The Northern Pacific Road had 
its terminus there then and freighting to the Black 
Hills went through there. It was also a supply 
station for all that region for hundreds of miles 
beyond. The principal business of the place locally 
was gambling, saloon keeping, keeping dance 
houses, brothels, theaters, and the like. My hus- 
band sang and preached on the street two or three 
evenings a week and held gospel temperance meet- 
ings in a hall. As my health would not permit me 
to attend them he requested me to write something 
for him to read at one of the meetings and I wrote 
this poem. The opposition to Col. Bull's work, (as 
he was called, a title indicative of the rank he bore 
in the army at the close of the war) ran high and 
he was often threatened with violence, but he sang 
and preached his way into the hearts of the people. 
The church went up and was well filled with inter- 

119 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



ested listeners, and a good society was organized. 
Any old timers that may be left there now will speak 
his name with reverence. Dr. Bull was a graduate 
of the Wisconsin State University and also of its 
Law Department. After he was converted the 
church called loudly for him tp enter its ranks as 
a leader and he responded in the language of Paul, 
''Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel." After 
completing his conference course he took a post 
graduate course and after completing that he took 
a Ph.D. course which entitled him to the degree 
of Doctor of Philosophy. After a successful min- 
istry of thirty years he died in Gentry, Ark., where 
he had gone for the benefit of a mild climate and 
rest, at the age of 70 years. He was interested in 
the study of languages. When asked how many 
languages he could read, responded that he could 
keep silent in eight different languages, but he 
could read as fluently in the eight languages as he 
could keep silent in them. 

The Temple of Sobriety and the Goddess of 

Temperance 

Once upon a night of sorrow, 
When solemn silence round me lay, 
Where no gentle star could cheer me 
With kindly glinting sparks of day. 

120 



THE TEMPLE OF SOBRIETY 



I sat dreaming o'er the embers, 
Untill the midnights' mystic hour 
Till the time when ghosts in story 
Come stalking forth in dreadful power 

When the dreary dark around me 
Cloud light rose and floated on, 
Leaving just a blush of beauty 
From the crimson cheek of dawn. 

Then a grand and golden temple, 
Arose in splendor on my sight. 
From each open portal gleaming 
Waved a beckoning hand of light. 

For behind me in the gloaming. 
Were troops of demons on my track. 
With horny heads and wands awave. 
And rippling robes of flowing black. 

Terror bound I stood bewildered, 
While fiercly glared the eyes of each. 
And a fearful horror seized me. 
Surpassing every power of speech. 

Intemperance led the fiendish van. 
With Poverty behind his back, 
Then came Crimes on following after, 
Close upon their awful track. 

121 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Up the steps and in the temple, 
On I rushed in to an open door, 
And through hall by spacious portal. 
The hellish host pursued me sore. 

Up the wide and winding stairway, 
Passed massive doors I feared to try. 
Lest a little moment loosing. 
They'd overtake me and there I die. 

Ever they were gaining on me. 

And I so weak those doors to ope 

To gain a room was my salvation 

And through each doorway was a hope. 

With their burning breath upon me, 
Exhausting all my strength and power 
On a massive lock that yielded, 
I entered quick and barred the door. 

In a very trance of terror. 
All still and motionless I lay, 
Till 'round me shone a rad'nt halo, 
Like the flush of coming day. 

From fleecy clouds of amber glowing, 
Came forth a being fair as snow, 
With fleecy robes around her flowing, 
And voice of music soft and low. 

122 



THE TEMPLE OF SOBRIETY 



And thus she spake ''Here angels dwell, 
And never mortal feet have trod 
Save those v^ho passing through the door 
Have put their trust in God." 

I entered thus within the door, 
So sore was I beset and driven 
My hands could reach no other way. 
Than up toward God and heaven. 

"Demons black were me pursing 
Until I took this upward road, 
And naught can keep those fiends away. 
But power Divine, direct from God." 

"Since thou hast found the goodly way 
Of safety from the demons dart, 
'Twill fill thy soul with sacred joy 
The holy knowledge to impart. 

"As Goddess Temp'rance shalt thou reign, 
Attending angels be thy guide. 
While Faith and Hope and Charity 
Shall walk in blessing by thy side. 

"Thy robes of white and wand of gems, 
And crystal crown far flashing light 
Shall round thy path a glory burn 
Through misty gloom of tears and night." 

123 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Out in the weary world we went, 
Upon the demon's awful road, 
Where wretchedness and woe and want, 
They'd left behind in each abode, 

The gentle graces drew along 
My golden gleaming chariot car, 
The precious wand of jewels blest 
Flung out their fiery flames afar. 

While pausing at the haunts of vice. 
Where sorrow suffered all alone. 
Where all was ruin, pain, and loss. 
With nothing for them to atone. 

I waved the wand, the place grew clean. 
The ragged raiment new and neat. 
As by a magic charm appeared 
A home all perfect and complete. 

Where waved the wand, the air grew glad. 
Through damps and darkness as of doom 
A kindly presence would arise. 
And break away its spell of gloom. 

And cherub faces looked and smiled, 
Behind the cloudy pillars gray, 
As on the wings of wooing winds 
The darkness rose and fled away. 

124 




00 



o 
Q 



o 

u 

CO 

£ 

PQ 

T) 

C 

o 
PQ 



THE TEMPLE OF SOBRIETY 



O'er broken hearts and blighted lives, 
The healing wand would gently raise 
Till songs of gladest joy went forth — 
From lonely Love went prayers of praise. 

Me-thought I cried, O wand Divine — 
Wond'rus blessings it imparts, 
It brings a balm to bleeding wounds, 
And holy hopes to burdened hearts. 

Oh better far than mortal lot 
To scatter good with godly hand, 
While far away the vision rests 
On blessed ones in glory land. 

As rolled the chariot wheels along, 
I saw the heavenly heights afar. 
Through rustling ranks of angels dim. 
Light gleamed golden, like a star. 

I knew it streamed from off the throne, 
'Round which the seraph anthems broke, 
While praise supreme my being thrilled, 
And shouting ''Glory" I awoke. 

Moral. 

To guide your lives, now choose the wand 
Of goddess blest, or demon damned. 

125 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



A dripping goblet the goddess fills 

With sparkling draughts from crystal rills, 

And with it gives a glow of health, 

A perfect life and goodly wealth. 

The demon gives in the flowing bowl. 

Woe and ruin to life and soul. 

His cup is filled from fiery flood, 

That's of a sea of boiling blood. 

That ever feeds with strong desire, 

A quenchless thirst for liquid fire. 

'Twill burn away thy strength and health 

And rob thy life of weal and wealth. 

His wand will prove a scorpion rod. 

Then give thy life in pledge to God. 



Musings 



As I sat by my open window. 

The sunset's ruddy glow, 
Was drifting through the shifting leaves, 

In ceaseless ebb and flow. 

The quail on the billowy mead, 

Was calling her mate ''Bob White," 

While purple shadows were waining, 
And melting away in night. 

126 



MUSINGS 



I sat thinking, busy thinking, 

Of golden hours in the past. 
When pleasure transfigured the moments, 

Into gems too frail to last. 

I turned it over and over, 

Why disappointments should be, 

Why joys the sw^eetest and gladdest, 
Should seem the soonest to flee. 

Why hopes strongly built upon promise, 
And reared in expectancy dear. 

Should fall all sadly in ruin. 
Leaving life aimless and drear. 

And w^hy with endurings and strivings, 

''And longings akin to pain," 
And things all pure and substantial, 
That gladden the heart and brain 

Couldn't we build a rounded fulfillment. 

With life possibilities grand? 
Dim voices thus sadly replieth; 
''The ground 'neath thy building is sand." 

Here you should gain the essentials, 
And carefully mark out the plan. 

Then strongly lay the foundations. 
To build the perfected man. 

127 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



If here all hopes meet fruition, 
As all the plans are laid down, 

There'd be a failure of merit 
Worthy the efforts to crown. 

In the endless heave of the billow, 
The costliest pearl is wrought, 

In the surging sea of sorrow, 
We gain the holiest thought. 

Then found on the ROCK OF AGES, 
A true and immortal home, 

And bring from the sea of affliction. 
Jewels to enrich the dome. 

On this ROCK so firm and abiding, 
Build strong and great as you can, 

And the busy throb of endless years, 
Shall crown and perfect the plan. 



Conscience 



A tender conscience is the ear, 

That hears the voice of GOD, 
Though He sometimes with strokes severe, 

Speaks through the chastening rod. 

128 



RESURRECTION LIFE 



And then at times in still small voice, 

He whispers soft and low, 
And scarcely is there room for choice, 

So sweet the accents flow. 

Through ''Ought" the sterner voice of GOD, 

To conscience speaketh strong, 
If disobeyed, debars from good. 

When heeded melts in song. 

He who from morn till even fall. 

His duty well hath done, 
Is potent as Great Uriel 

Who feeds the mighty sun. 



Resurrection Life 

Why grows the wing within the shell 
If not to pierce the height? 

Or why the eye within the cell 
But to absorb the light? 

GOD'S workmanship is fine and fair. 

He does no failure plan. 
He formed the wing to cleave the air. 

The eye all things to scan. 

There's something in the human soul, 
That reaches out toward GOD, 

129 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



To spread glad wings while ages roll, 
In a divine abode. 

In buried darkness lies the day, 
The winds make mournful moan, 

We view the stars in grand array. 
That sweep around His throne. 

Then streaks of amber faint and far. 
Are tinged with blushing gold. 

Banners of light with crimson bar, 
Hath darkness backward rolled. 

The mountain peaks are flushed with fire. 
And downward sweeps the glow. 

Till jutting rock and bird and brier, 
Are drenched within its flow. 

When sunrise grandeur is complete. 

And day is newly born, 
A whispered voice our souls will greet. 

Of resurrection morn. 

When autumn's' breath is over all. 

And ruin is wide spread, 
Till earth all stark 'neath winter's pall. 

Lies shrouded with the dead. 

130 



HOPE 

Then from her soft white robes spring shakes, 

And spills the warm sunshine, 
And showers it on the earth that wakes, 
In tune with things Divine; 

As nature feels sweet gladsome thrills. 

That flush her forehead fair, 
With bursting bloom and songster's trills. 

Will risen life declare. 



Hope 

Some call her Hope, and other ''Soulful Song," 

The inspiring spirit of a busy throng, 

Who descends on errands fresh from GOD'S 

throne. 
Charity and Faith her comrades alone. 
On her mission Divine to her is given. 
To scarf up the wounds of the hurt and driven. 

She sings to the sad and lonely of heart, 
And their life grows glad with a sudden start, 
And the pulse of their soul beat swift or slow, 
As the surge of her song flows to and fro. 

She sings to the mourner in cadence clear, 
And tells him beyond the pall and the bier, 
He will meet his love in a gladsome land, 

131 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Where life grows greater and will ever expand, 
And his eye glints a glow of rainbow shine, 
As he drinketh her song like sacred wine. 

She sings to the mother who kneels to pray. 
For a manly boy that with moanings lay. 
Though her anxious heart bears an ache most 

strong. 
Yet she gladly drinks her inspiring song. 
And like soft soothing balm Hope's finger tips, 
Has dimpled a smile on her brow and lips; 
For his budding manhood this mother weaves, 
Fair fragrant corollas and laurel leaves. 

As she sings, the aged see a fair clime, 

Where life stately treads in a trend sublime. 

Life soft gleaming gold through an air of blue, 

The pearl gates ajar up riseth in view, 

And their care ladened brow is gently fanned. 

By soft blowing breezes from Beulah land; 

Behind and forgotten is earthly care. 

Fragrant and restful the evening air, 

By the eyelids closed and the smile we know, 

They are waiting their robes whiter than snow. 

With thrilling trills in her triumphant voice, 
She sings to the weary ''Rejoice, Rejoice.'' 

132 



TO HIM BE THE GLORY 



Then she sweetly tells of the things that be, 

The river of life and the crystal sea, 

Though between the Christian and his goal, 

Darkly the chilling waves of Jordan roll, 

He feareth them not for both Hope and Faith, 

Shall bear him all safely through floods of Death, ' 

And when he receives his summons to go, 

They waft him away on pinions of snow. 

While Charity tells the deeds she hath done, 

In blessing the world and winning the crown. 

When they reenter the halls of delight, 
To the company blest, in spotless white, 
They joyfully welcome back to the throng, 
Angel of "Light," and "Love" and "Song," Sweet 
"Song." 



To Him Be the Glory 

{Suggested by Reading the ipth Psalm) 

The heavens declare Thy glory Lord, 

And every star sublime. 
Proclaims Thy wisdom ministered. 

Through hand}^ work divine. 

Day unto day oft uttereth speech, 
And night to nights unfold, 

133 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Thy greatness and Thy glories reach, 
A majesty untold. 

There is no speech, or even thought, 

That breaketh into word. 
That a still voice proclaimeth not, 

There is a risen Lord. 

His lines are gone through all the earth 
And through the world His word, 

Where sweet with blessings shineth forth. 
The beauty of the Lord. 

The statues of the Lord are right, 
They keep our lives from dole, 

From His commandments gleam a light, 
On every prayerful soul. 

Keep back thy loving servant Lord, 

From all presumptuous sin. 
And trusting in thy holy word, ' ■'''^^''' 

May he grow pure within. 

And of my mouth let every word. 

And meditation bejifiKri rl 
My strength Redeemer and my Lord, 

Acceptable to Thee. ;' ^' 

i . ft ' 



r'.' 



^^134 



THOUGHTS FROM THE 91st PSALM 

Thoughts from the 91st Psalm 

When in GOD'S secret place ye dwell, 
And 'neath His shadow there abide, 

A fortress strong, a citadel. 

Is He to those who in Him hide. 

From fowler's snare, and pestilence, 

He surely will deliver thee, 
His feathers warm are thy defence, 

Beneath His wings thy refuge be. 

His truth is shield and buckler strong, 
No nightly terror shalt thou know, 

No arrowy dart nor venomed wrong, 
Nor any other deadly foe. 

A thousand at thy side may fall, 

Or though ten thousand it should be. 

Thine eyes shall only see it all, 
How that the wicked fall and flee. 

Because thou hast thy refuge made, 

And habitation in the Lord, 
No evil shall thy home invade, 

Nor harm come nigh thee, saith His Word, 



135 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



The Twenty-third Psalm 

The Lord my tender shepherd is, 

He for my wants provide, 
In pastures green He leadeth me, 

Where pleasant waters glide. 

My wayward soul He doth restore 

To righteous paths instead, 
For His name's sake He shelters me 

Beneath His wings outspread. 

Yea, though through shadows I may walk 

Within Death's solemn vale. 
His rod and staff they comfort me 

Though enemies assail. 

He hath a table me prepared 

Before my very foes, 
My head with oil He me anoints — 

My full cup overflows. 

Surely mercies great do follow me. 

His goodness passeth word. 
Secure within His house Fll dwell 

Forever with the Lord. 



136 



CHRISTMAS HALLOWED MUSINGS 

Christmas Hallowed Musings the 
Birth of Christ 

All purple waxed the waning light, — 
And sacred and serene the hour, 
In Judah's realms that holy night, 
Where ominous lay a spell of power. 

Unbroken calm was on the deep, 
And busy Nature seemed to stand, 
The solemn stars in onward sweep. 
Swept o'er the ocean gray and grand. 

And naught disturbed the tranquil rest. 
The wayward wind in wonder stills. 
And quiet lies on Nature's breast. 
Reposing on the sacred hills. 

Then angel bands struck glad harps bold. 
And through the sky swelled bursts of song, 
'All glory" in the cadence rolled, 
As holy anthems swept along. 

At midnight in a pause of song, 
One burning torch of night's pure gold: 
The grandest star of all the throng, 
GOD'S living link to men foretold. 



137 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



The Birth of Christ 

Then all the splendid stars with grace, 
Broke forth in morning songs of joy, 
Imprisoned Nature for a space 
Burst out anew with heaven's convoy. 

''Peace! Peace! on Earth! Good will to man 
Rolled forth from all the holy choir. 
With 'Teace on earth" the song began. 
And shook from each rejoiceful lyre. 

Although 'tis many years since then, 
But if tonight we'll hark and hear. 
The world still rolls its grand ''Amen" 
In ringing echoes, glad and clear. 

For Christ is born, the righteous ONE, 
With Holy Healing in His wings," 
" 'Tis done, the great transaction's done," 
Each tuneful soul exultant sings. 

For sinful life His life He gave; 
The Incarnate Word and Deity, 
Who calmed the roar of wild sea's wave, 
And bore our human agony. 

And now before the throne of GOD, 
With suppliant hands and pleadings wild, 

138 



THE WIDOW OF NAIN 



Beseeches Him to spare the rod, 
And to forgive the wayward child; 

For He was tempted just the same, 
And feels with us each human woe, 
And all the frailties of our frame. 
And like us felt sore needs below. 

Now weary ones when tempest tossed, 
By boistrous winds and billows driven. 
May look the troubled sea accrossed, 
And view their calm and holy haven. 

'When from the bourn of time and space,'' 
At home beyond the evening star. 
We shall behold Him face to face. 
When we have passed ''Beyond the bar." 



The Widow of Nain 

Beside the gate of quiet Nain, 

A Roman sentinel stood, 
A quiv'ring heat throbbed on the plain. 

Where ran the dust-brown road. 

The Roman bent his spear of state, 
When through the gateway broad, 

139 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Went cortage that left desolate, 
One mourner lowly bowed. 

A widow weeping by the bier, 

Where lay her only son ; 
The one sweet gladsome ray of cheer, 

That on her pathway shone. 

In sobbing heart-breaks sore she cried, 

For she was all alone, 
No other friend on earth's far wide, — 

To comfort or atone. 

The Master saw, and stood sore pained, 
For this lone woman there. 

The mother love in Christ unfained, 
Was moved at her despair. 

He raised his hand — the bearers stood, 
Then He the LORD OF ALL, 

With hand of Hol}^ plentitude. 
Brought life from death's enthrall. 

He spake in accents of command, 

''Young man: I bid thee rise." 
Back from the great dim shadow land, 
With strange bewildered eyes 

140 



THE DRAFT OF FISH 



He looked around, when through each vein, 

Life tingled in sweet flow, 
Her gladness broke in wild refrain, 

Through sullen clouds of woe. 

And wept the mother in surprise, 

Of joy akin to pain. 
And while she uttered grateful cries, 

Jesus went into Nain. 



The Draft of Fish 

A ship was anchored on the sea, 

With crew of fishermen. 
Who spread their net out large and free, 

And drew it in again. 

The sea seemed vacant as the land, 

No school of fish was there. 
They inward drew it on the sand. 

But naught did it ensnare. 

The first glad streak of dawning gold, 

High o'er the rippling sea. 
Slow downward from the hilltops rolled. 

And flooded Galilee. 

141 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Wrapped in morn's gray and glow apace, 

The Master trod the strand, 
In all His holy mien and grace, 

And GODLY self command. 

''Ho! children have ye any meat?" 
He called to them afar. 
His voice v^ent ringing strong and sweet, 
Clear as the morning star. 

''AH night weVe wrought and nothing caught," 

They answer on the wind. 
"Launch on the deep and cast thy lot 

And thou shalt straightway find." 

They cast their lot at His command 

Again into the sea. 
Of fishes great they brought to land 

A hundred and fifty-three. 

Though all thy life thou hard hast toiled. 

And all thy plans have failed, 
Loss and discouragement dispoiled. 

And nothing hath availed. 

If thou but launch out on the deep. 

Of GOD'S great loving care. 
And all His laws most faithful keep. 

As they were jewels rare, 

142 



CHRIST WALKING THE SEA 



If thou but list to His commands, 

And do as He shall say, 
And all His purposes and plans, 

Implicitly obey, 

An hundred fold thou shalt receive, 

For service to Him given. 
Where He directs thou shalt achieve. 

Success triumphant even. 



Christ Walking the Sea 

'Twas holy night, soft breezes 'woke. 

The ripples of the sea, 
And musical low^ murmurs broke, 

The calm on Galilee. 

A boat has pushed about its prow. 

Along the dusky deep. 
And yielding billows silent plow. 

Where rocking wavelets sleep. 

Through dimness dull afar was seen, 
A gleam through gray of gloom, 

And rowers bend with vision keen. 
To see it swiftly come. 

They quickly drop their oars in fright ; 
A still form seemed to glide, 

143 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



And specter like a halo light 
Swathed it on every side. 

In terror spake they, 'neath their breath 

''Why is this vision shone, 
If not a sign of certain death? 
Why comes this Spirit alone? 

It onward bore like awful doom, 

It was a ghastly sight. 
Then plainly merging from the gloom, 

It stood in perfect light. 

'Master!" they cry with one accord: 

" 'Tis THOU upon the sea." 
Peter exclaimed "Now bid me Lord, 
Walk on the waves to Thee." 

And when the Master bade him come. 

He trod the sea with grace, 
Nor did he frighten or succumb, 

Gazing on the Master's face. 

Then looking at the waves, high tossed, 

He seemed upon a brink. 
"Oh save," he cries, "or I am lost, 
"Lord, save me or I sink." 



144 



CHRIST STILLING THE TEMPEST 

The Master raised His gracious hand, 
'Why sink/' He firmly saith; 
''Didst thou not come at my command, 
"Oh, thou of little faith." 

At midnight if all rudely tossed. 

On seas that drench thee sore. 
Thy flick'ring faith be almost lost. 

Amid the tempest's roar, 

Though yawning gulfs should scare thy soul, 

Or mounting billows even, 
Should surge thee round in awful roll, 

And thunder up toward heaven, 

Hast thou gone forth at Christ's command 

Upon a stormy sea? 
He'll clasp thee in His holy hand, 

And walk the deep with thee. 

Christ Stilling the Tempest 

A hazy halo slumbered on, 

Tibera's placid face. 
Through which a golden glory shone 

With touch of tender grace: 



145 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



And light blue ripples gently break, 

The yielding surface calm, 
As zephyrs kiss the tranquil lake, 

With impress full of balm. 

From off the mount the Master trod. 

His kindly eye was keen, 
His kingly air revealed the GOD, 

So holy was His mien. 

With His disciples in a boat, 

Far from the quiet shore, 
And from the drowsy hills remote, 

They glide with languid oar. 

They hope a breath might wander free 
To catch their unfurled sails. 

Repose is on sweet Galilee, 
And over all prevails. 

The Master yielding to the spell 

Down on a pillow lay, 
While kind oblivion on Him fell 

The moments glide away. 

A cloud o'erspreads the sunny sky, 
From which deep thunders break. 

And lightnings flash as waves dash high- 
A storm is on the lake. 

146 



CHRIST STILLING THE TEiMPEST 



And rougher blew the blast and strong, 

The sea as caldron boils, 
And skyward mounts the bark along, 

To sink amid turmoils. 

So high the billows rolled and tossed, 

So dreadful blew the gale, 
They feared the craft would e'en be lost, 

So fierce the wind and hail. 

And yet the Master sleepeth on ; 

Strong angels guarding near. 
Their unseen presence from the throne. 

Pervades the atmosphere. 

As on the gale sweep far and near, 

A terror siezes all. 
With faces blanched with awful fear, 

They on the Master call. 

"Carest Thou not that we perish, 

Master? Arouse Thee — Awake!" — 
Forked the lightnings and garish. 
And deafening thunders break. 

Far from the viewless holy throng, 
In conscious converse warm. 



147 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



Amid the tempest*s buffets strong, 
He stepped into the storm. 

The thunderous roar and lashings cease, 

Obedient to His will, 
They hush, when He commanded *Teace," 

They heard Him say "Be Still." 

Quick troubled Nature owned her Lord, 

And kindly sank to rest, 
Before the mandate of His word. 

Upon its earthly breast. 

Should warring passions lash thy soul. 
And fierce life's tempests break. 

And strong the elements should roll, 
To make thee fear and quake. 

Should foes beset and thee alarm. 

And threat to 'gulf thy bark. 
Or siren voices tempt and charm. 

Till all is fierce and dark: 

If on the Master thou shalt call, 
Though seemeth He to sleep, 

His thrilling voice thy storm shall thrall, 
And calm thy troubled deep. 

I4« 



CHRIST FEEDING THE MULTITUDE 

Thy trials all shall triumphs prove, 
If Christ thy bark shall bear, 

Thy conflicts cease — thy foes remove, 
Before His presence there. 



Christ Feeding the Multitude 

The Master w^rought with heart and brain 

Among a motley throng. 
His healing touch on guilt and pain 

Awoke a grateful song. 

Until to anguish He had grown. 

For sin that them debased, 
Although His Father's image shone, 

Through each, 'twas sore defaced. 

"Philip, doth thou the throng behold? 
From whence may we buy bread? 
Should we their daily food withhold, 
They'll faint of want," He said. 

"Two hundred pennyweights 'twill take. 
That each may share a part, 
Send them away" thus Philip sake, 
*'Yea, bid them all depart." 

1 19 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



"Five barley loaves, two fishes small, 
A lad hath here of bread. 
But what are these among them all, 
Just merely naught," he said. 

He bade them sit within the groves 

That border Galilee, 
Then from the lad Christ took the loaves, 

And blest and break them free. 

Till for the multitudes were spread 

An all abundant share, 
With loaves and fishes they were fed, 

Till each had food to spare. 

And ever since, stores brought to Christ, 

From busy hand or mind. 
He'll mutiply by fullness vast. 

To feed and bless mankind. 

Oh, ye discouraged and oppressed, 

Who toil till set of sun, 
In weariness of soul distressed, 

That little ye have done. 

Bring all results unto the Lord, 

And place them in His hand. 
An hundred fold — a mighty hoard 

'Twill be at His command. 

150 



MOCKING BIRD 



Though effort bring ye small or much, 

To give the hungry bread, 
If it receive the Master's touch, 

Aye thousands may be fed. 



The Song of the Mocking Bird 

Something for Children 

Higho; higho Hocus Pocus, sweet as pie, 

Let's off for a frolic, just you and I. 

There's gleam on the grass, there's glint on the 

flowers 
There's shine on the brook, there's cool in the 

bowers, 
The groves are in green over all is the blue, 
Higho, higho, higho, higheula ; gigheu. 

We'll sing like the lark, we'll cluck like the hen 
We'll coo like the dove, we'll trill like the wren, 
We'll render our songs in gushes a plenty 
And instead of two they'll think we are twenty. 
Deary eary, eary, eary, deary, dell. 
Never feary, eary, ary all is well. 

We'll sing like the cookoo, and the cat bird's 

yaw, 
The whipo'will's will, and the old crow's caw 

151 



BETHEL EL BETHEL 



And we'll blend them all in the bobolink's tune, 
In the sweetest of rhythm and mystical rune, 
Coodle, loodle ingtom, lingtom kingtom come, 
Biddle, idle, ingtom, ringtom bingtom bum. 

We'll sing to the wind as she comes from the south 
With breath of white lilies that waft from her 

mouth. 

As our songs shall ascend so bold and so true. 
Our voices will blend with the beautiful blue 
Rinew, ritue ritue rinew rinew new. 

Our voices will blend with the beautiful blue. 

The red bird we'll mock with a clear mellow sound 
And we'll call the dog till he starts with a bound. 
And we'll sing in our glee till the sun goes down 
We'll sing through the dark till we'll wake the old 

town. 
Jingle, ingle ingle, ingle, jingle ell 
Bingle, ingle ingle ingle bingle bell. 



152 



THIS LITTLE BOOK 



This Little Book 

A monument in loving remembrance of Eddie 
Bull, the little child that died long ago in Wells, 
Minnesota, age eight years three months and 
twenty-one days. 

Build thou a Bethel on the grave 

Of lov*d ones gone before, 
And though life's tempests round thee rave 

And darkness settle o'er, 

A gleam from off God's face shall shine 

To warm and light at .last; 
Thy trials all shall seem divine 

When hushed within the past. 

THE END 



153 



Comments 

The following comments were made upon the appear- 
ance of a limited edition of Bethel el Bethel^ published 
several years ago : 

"Bethel el Bethel is a poem of marked ability. Based 
on the Biblical narrative of Jacob and Esau, it depicts in 
brilliant imagery and stately cadence the struggles of the 
Soul in its ascent from the earthly and the carnal to the large 
freedom of the state spiritual and heavenly. The work as a 
whole is a fine conception and is well wrought out. Here and 
there the fastidious critic may light on a sweet morsel — but 
the strength and beauty and lofty reaches of this attempt to 
delineate the mighty struggles of great saints, their pitiable 
failures and final glorious triumph, will more than compensate 
for an occasional flaw, and the gifted author may well be con- 
gratulated on the success of her achievement." — Bishop R. /. 
Cook, D.D., LL.D., then Book Editor of Methodist Book 
Concern. 

''The poem has more than ordinary literary merit and will 
be appreciated by all lovers of good literature." — President 
Bridgman, of Hamline University. 

"Bethel el Bethel is a book whose interest and value 
will not wane with the first reading; for, strung upon the 
thread of the old Bible story, amid the glorious sunrises and 
moonrises of the opulent Orient, are pearls from the deep seas 
of the heart's inner experiences, pearls of sympathetic religious 
philosophy which those wishing to build unto themselves a 
Bethel, will carefully count in their rosary of devotional 
thought-gems." — Adelaide George Bennett. 

"The sympathetic reader will find his ear pleased with 
happy rhythm, his imagination quickened by vivid fancy, and 
his moral sympathies awakened by a faithful picture of a 
strong soul's wrestling." — Prof. Hutchinson, of Minnesota 
State University. 

154 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




012 243 274 9 



